Cities Desire Streetcars

The St. Charles Line in New Orleans takes passengers to the French Quarter in New Orleans. Cities across the U.S. are considering adding streetcars to their transit systems to revive downtown communities.

Streetcars in San Francisco have been a staple for many years -what better way is there to travel to Fisherman’s Wharf or Market Street. New Orleans boasts the St. Charles Line, the oldest continuously operating streetcar in the world. Now, other cities are seeing streetcars as a way to bring more activity to their downtown areas.

Cincinnati officials are assembling financing for a $132 million system that would connect the city’s riverfront stadiums, downtown business district and Uptown neighborhoods, which include six hospitals and the University of Cincinnati, in a six- to eight-mile loop. Depending on the final financing package, fares may be free, 50 cents or $1.

The city plans to pay for the system with existing tax revenue and $30 million in private investment. The plan requires the approval of Mayor Mark Mallory, a proponent, and the City Council.

At least 40 other cities are exploring streetcar plans to spur economic development, ease traffic congestion and draw young professionals and empty-nest baby boomers back from the suburbs, according to the Community Streetcar Coalition, which includes city officials, transit authorities and engineers who advocate streetcar construction.

More than a dozen have existing lines, including New Orleans, which is restoring a system devastated by Hurricane Katrina. And Denver, Houston, Salt Lake City and Charlotte, N.C., have introduced or are planning to introduce streetcars.