History:  Bus build dates 1950 to Feb. 1960; In service dates 1950 to 1970s

 The Houston Transit Co. purchased C41-GT numbered 588 through 607 in June 1947.  These C41-GT bus assignments included the Studewood line which served Southern Pacific's Grand Central Depot ( an art deco affair that was replaced by a post office) and the Heights line which served Houston's Union Station* (building now an entrance to a ballpark).  

The transit company itself began life as a city transit railroad operation powered by mules in 1868.  The first electric trolleys arrived in 1891.  By 1946, the Houston Electric Co. was renamed the Houston Transit Company (HTC).  In 1961, the private owners of HTC sold the company and was renamed the Rapid Transit Lines.  In 1966, it became a subsidiary of the infamous National City Lines known for replacing electric streetcars and trolleys to buses.  In 1974, the City of Houston acquired the NCL's Rapid Transit Lines and renamed it to HouTran.  In 1979, HouTran was superseded by the Metropolitan Transit Authority.  

FEATURES:

• Changeable, historically authentic destination signs
  full interior
  window glazing
  rubber tires
  authentically decorated
  multiple bus numbers