Automobile used in Senate's Subterranean Passage.

A subterranean passage, somewhat resembling the secret underground exits of medieval castles, differing only in the fact that it is more commodious, is traveled by up-to-date conveyances, and is not secret, is the latest acquisition of the United States Senate. It leads from below the senate wing in the Capitol to the new senatorial office building a short distance away, and is a means by which the national lawmakers can ride back and forth between the two. Electric automobiles of the type shown in the illustration furnish the means of transportation.

Old electric Senate subway wooden-wheel Studebaker car.

Known affectionately as “Peg” and “Tommy” … both cars were designed by the Studebaker Company. They were first put into service on March 7, 1909, the day the Senate Subway opened.

The following day, the Washington Post had this to say of the new Senate subway and its cars:

…senators will be enabled to whiz between the Capitol and their Office buildings in a jiffy. . .the new autos are natty, light tan in color and with comfortable leather-covered seats. They are operated by 5 horsepower storage batteries and can make about 12 miles per hour, unless the Senators object to this speed…

In 1912, Peg and Tommy were replaced by a new monorail system. via Jeff Bingaman Senate (NM) website.

Image/Copy credit, Image credit.