Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
Baltimore
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad launched its first passenger service on May 17, 1836, marking the start of commercial rail travel in the United States and connecting Baltimore to Washington D.C. with early steam locomotives.
Canadian Pacific Railway
Regina
The Canadian Pacific Railway completed its initial western mainline segment, linking remote prairie towns to eastern markets.
Chesapeake and Ohio Railway
Richmond
The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway extended its lines on May 17, 1888, enhancing coal transport from the Appalachian region and improving connections between the Midwest and East Coast.
Compagnie du chemin de fer de Saint-Étienne à Andrézieux
Saint-Étienne
The first passenger railway line in France began operations between Saint-Étienne and Andrézieux.
Tokyo Electric Railway
Tokyo
Tokyo introduced its inaugural electric streetcar service, modernizing urban transport in Japan's capital.
Japanese National Railways
Tokyo
Preliminary tests for Japan's Tokaido Shinkansen high-speed rail began on May 17, 1963, revolutionizing bullet train technology and setting global standards for safe, rapid transit.
Deutsche Reichsbahn
Berlin
On May 17, 1938, German engineers conducted early high-speed rail tests on the Dresden-Berlin line, paving the way for faster intercity travel with streamlined locomotives.
Interborough Rapid Transit Company
New York City
Ground was broken for the first underground rapid transit line in New York City.
Trains from North and South Korea cross the 38th Parallel in a test-run agreed by both governments. This is the first time that trains have crossed the Demilitarized Zone since 1953.
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
Atchison
On May 17, 1879, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway was incorporated, becoming a major player in expanding rail lines across the American Midwest and Southwest, driven by the need for transcontinental connectivity.
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