Transportation in the city of Plainfield has mirrored the growth and dynamism of transportation all over the United States. This section of our look at transportation in Plainfield spanning the years 1951 to present captures the way in which the city changes - again. This time from a bustling center of industry and commerce to a suburban community with a more residential focus.

By the 1950's, the accelerated growth of transportation affected the cities, the architecture, the businesses, the toys, the ambitions, and the way of life of everyone.  People did not have to live in the same place they worked.   New professions and businesses appeared.  Families could now afford to live outside of the cities and so suburbs flourished. President Eisenhower pushed through federal funding for inter and intra state highway systems.  By 1952 the New Jersey Turnpike was built, connecting industries and travelers throughout the state.

New Jersey was the site of unprecedented postwar building. As housing developments were mapped out, companies had to anticipate increased needs of the exploding population. Immediately following the war Somerset bus Company bought fourteen “Blue Star” aerocoach buses as a commuting line to New York City.  In a debate over whether electricity or gas would be most needed, the All-Service vehicle was set up to run using electricity or gas and no tracks. Public Service Electric and Gas, which now owned many of the bus lines, had to decide whether to put electricity into the proposed housing developments or keep it for updated buses.  The possibility of doing both was not considered an option.  They selected providing electricity to new developments around the state and expanded their bus routes.