Goodbye to the Key Route System

Video made by BART Director Bob Franklin to the Joyce Whitelaw song, commemorating the end of the Key Route System service in 1958. This song was performed at the event honoring the 100th Anniversary of the Oakland Chamber of Commerce. Composer/Pianist - Joyce Whitelaw Vocals by Mel Leroy Lyrics by Judith Offer Percussion by Lynn Parker Photos by John Harder, Other Photo credits to follow soon... Lyrics: GOODBYE TO THE KEY ROUTE SYSTEM The downtown "A" was the last to go On an April night in 1958. Starting at 2, from 12th and Oak, Keeping a sad, unwanted date. A sharp horn blast, the warning bells, A crowd got on to jam the cars, Shouting and singing, a noisy wake, The train eased out, under the stars. Conductor Clair sang Irish tunes, And David Hudson sang the blues, But Rob Johannes conducted that night, And that's an historical fact. The train went into the City On the bridge's lower deck. That night they had to come home by bus, That's progress--what the heck. Two hundred and fifty million Rode those Key Route trains Over the course of half a century, But they will never be here again. They tore up the worn-out tracks, Tore down the poles and wires, Sold all old stations, the unneeded cars, And of course the conductors were fired. CHORUS: You can't stop progress! Those electric cars were slow! The internal combustion engine Is the modern way to go. The rushed East Bay Commuter Will find motoring in A relaxing way to begin the day, And so fast getting out again!