The specifics come down to the technology and whether or not the line was commercially successful, as in it was not just an experimental line or a non-revenue service. All of the pieces came together in Scranton in 1886. South Bend was unsuccessful and Montgomery was a partially converted horse cart line. Scranton’s system was purpose-built to be all electric and a commercial venture from day one. It may also be the longest continually running line in the US as it did not cease operations until December of 1954. If you want to argue the use of a trolley pole vs a troller or traveler, Van Depoele had developed the pole in 1885 and wanted to implement it in Scranton but the owner of the Scranton Railway Co. initially opted for the traveler instead.
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