Tucson Rapid Transit #112

Bus #112 at Country Club and East Sixth Street about 1948

Background

In most cities, transit service reached a peak during World War II. However, in Tucson the peak did not occur until 1949 as returning servicemen who had been trained here decided to start a new life in Tucson. Consequently, Tucson Rapid Transit needed larger buses to handle the increased patronage. Fifteen “art-deco” design Twin Coaches (#101-115) were purchased in 1946, 47 and 48, and assigned to the busiest routes: University, South Sixth, East Sixth, Speedway, Campbell, Stone, and Oracle.

Alfred Coley with his motor home conversion in 1973

Post-Service History

In 1968, upon retirement by the transit company, #112 was purchased by Alfred and Genevieve Coley who converted the bus to a motor home. After Mr. Coley’s death in October 1986 it was acquired by Cameron and Joyce Johnston who installed a manual transmission. Within a few months, they traded it to Kevin Driscoll, who started remodeling, but was unable to continue. In 1995 he donated the bus to Old Pueblo Trolley for preservation and restoration. It remains in our backyard, awaiting restoration.

Current status of #112, 2025

Tucson Rapid Transit advertisement featuring #112 in a 1954 University of Arizona yearbook

Service History

#112 was delivered from the factory in TRT’s red and white livery (similar to TRT #50 in our collection).

By the mid-1950’s, as larger and newer GM buses were purchased, the Twins were often assigned to special student routes. In 1964, #112 was equipped with sliding sash windows and flashing warning lights to comply with a new requirement for vehicles transporting school students.