The company was preceded by the Rochester and Lake Ontario Railway, which was formed in 1879 to construct a steam-powered railroad connecting Rochester at Portland Avenue with Sea Breeze on the shores of Lake Ontario.
[1] At the line's terminus, the railroad constructed a resort, which later became the modern Seabreeze amusement park.
The electric line only operated in the summer months, and connected to a ferry boat that transported passengers across the Genesee River to Charlotte.
The opening of the Stutson Street Bridge in 1927 forced the termination of ferry service, and the railroads entered receivership soon after.
The former R&LO line was rebuilt and electrified and year-round service to Summerville began in 1905.