This Day in Railroad History

April 16

1936
90th anniversary
OpeningUnited States

San Francisco Bay Bridge Opens to Rail Traffic

Southern Pacific Railroad

San Francisco

The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge opened for rail service on April 16, 1936, enhancing regional connectivity and becoming a vital link for commuters and freight in the San Francisco Bay Area.

1872
154 years ago
OpeningJapan

First Railway in Japan Opens

Japanese Government Railways

Tokyo

On April 16, 1872, Japan launched its first passenger railway line from Tokyo to Yokohama, marking the beginning of modern transportation in the country and symbolizing its rapid modernization during the Meiji Restoration.

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