In May, we presented a map of the American cities planning streetcar networks. Back then, it seemed, only about 20 cities were contemplating new trolley lines.
But the interest in the mode has exploded over the past few months, and now there are at least 45 cities in the U.S. and Canada seriously considering the implementation of streetcars, which are distinct from light rail because they share their rights-of-way with automobiles. We’ve documented which cities already have such lines in operation and those that are planning them on the map above; a list with links to plans or ideas in each town is at the end of this post.
Last week, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood’s announcement that he would make available $130 million for inner-city streetcar projects adds momentum to what is becoming a national trend. The Secretary said he would grant up to $25 million apiece next spring — meaning that at least six projects will be advancing next year. Winning projects will be determined by the Department of Transportation on a selective basis.
This money comes in addition to the Small Starts cash already made available to projects such as Portland’s Eastside Streetcar Loop extension, which received $75 million in April. The DOT may also take advantage of some of the $1.5 billion in “TIGER” funds from the stimulus to fund these trolleys, though most of these funds will likely go elsewhere.
The Secretary of Transportation made the big news announcement in New Orleans, which has requested almost $100 million from the federal government for a new French Quarter line. Mr. LaHood’s similar visit to Dallas implies that those cities have a leg up for now. But the intense competition coming from every region of the country leaves no city guaranteed to receive money from Washington.
Click for Cities Planning Streetcar Lines in the United States and Canada, and a Larger Version of the Map
CLICK TO ENLARGE
- Albuquerque
- Atlanta
- Arlington
- Augusta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Boise
- Brooklyn
- Charlotte
- Cincinnati
- Colorado Springs
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Detroit
- Ft. Lauderdale
- Ft. Worth
- Gainesville
- Grand Rapids
- Indianapolis
- Jacksonville
- Kansas City
- Lancaster
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Montréal
- New Haven
- New Orleans
- Oklahoma City
- Philadelphia
- Portland
- Providence
- Québec
- Sacramento
- Salt Like City
- San Antonio
- Seattle
- Spokane
- Stamford
- St. Louis
- Tacoma
- Tempe
- Tucson
- Vancouver
- Washington
- Winston-Salem
December 7th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Add Philadelphia and Lancaster, Penna. to the list. Philadelphia is currently planning a waterfront trolley line with a branch down Market Street to City Hall. This project has received approval by the City of Philadelphia and would be built by the Delaware River Port Authority.
And there are others not mentioned on the list here. Plus, there have been some “on and off” ones such as Dayton, Ohio; Wilmington, Delaware; Edmonton, Alberta; Savanah, Georgia, Little Rock, Arkansas; Tampa, Florida; San Pedro, California; Memphis, Tenn.; etc. Some would be extensions to their present heritage street car operations, such as Little Rock, Memphis, San Pedro, Tampa and Savanah.
December 7th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Are you guys going to do an article on light rail systems in the US soon?
December 8th, 2009 at 1:05 am
I am from Albuquerque, and just to clarify, the streetcar project there has been stalled for awhile. In fact, considering just how long it has been not discussed, I’m surprised the city still has the site for it up and running. In addition, we just elected a new mayor who is conservative, so I have even more doubt that this project will get going anytime soon.
I am currently residing in Tucson (attending school) and the streetcar project here is a bit of a sham. The current alignment calls for the terminus to be a development called Rio Nuevo, a development which has been in planning for 30 YEARS, and yet currently has almost nothing constructed. In fact, as a result of the recession, I am pretty sure I heard the company in charge of the development went under. Furthermore, the route this streetcar would cover is currently easily bikable (one of the major bike routes here) and it will basically just connect parking garages for events. It will do almost nothing to reduce actual vehicle miles traveled. Also, they were supposed to start construction on it earlier this year and so far, nothing has happened.
December 8th, 2009 at 8:57 am
I think it’s worth noting that Pittsburgh is not on this list at least in part, because it has never entirely lost its streetcars.
December 8th, 2009 at 9:56 am
Philadelphia recently announced an expansion of the existing streetcar system with a new line on Delaware Ave. This will also be complemented by the rejunivation of at least one line abandoned years ago (Rt. 23)
December 8th, 2009 at 10:06 am
[...] Posted by CincyStreetcar under Uncategorized Leave a Comment The Infrastructurist has this map of operational and planned streetcar lines across the [...]
December 8th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Tacoma already has a modern streetcar in existence, the Tacoma Link Light Rail (it’s called light rail but it goes in traffic with Skoda streetcars and everything). That Tacoma Streetcar thing is just a proposed expansion of the existing streetcar. Word has it that one of those extensions, to Tacoma General Hospital, will be open by 2012.
December 8th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Just thought I should mention the San Juan streetcar. I’ve been trying to convince you guys to add it to the list for a long time, but still no dice.
http://enrieles.com/
December 9th, 2009 at 10:09 am
[...] Lots of American Cities Competing for Federal Streetcar Funds (Infrastructurist) [...]
December 9th, 2009 at 10:23 am
[...] Lots of American Cities Competing for Federal Streetcar Funds (Infrastructurist) [...]
December 9th, 2009 at 11:49 am
December 8th, Oklahoma City voters passed the $777 million dollar MAPS 3 initiative that will bring approximately 6 miles of modern streetcars to the central city along with 7 other projects.
The initiative proposes a diverse list of eight projects:
* A new, approximately 70-acre central park linking the core of downtown with the Oklahoma River
* A new rail-based streetcar system, plus potential funding for other rail transit initiatives, such as commuter lines and a transit hub
* A new downtown convention center
* Sidewalks to be placed on major streets and near facilities used by the public throughout the City
* 57 miles of new public bicycling and walking trails throughout the City
* Improvements to the Oklahoma River, including a public whitewater kayaking facility and upgrades intended to achieve the finest rowing racecourse in the world
* State-of-the-art health and wellness aquatic centers throughout the City designed for senior citizens
* Improvements to the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds
December 9th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
[...] Lots of American Cities Competing for Federal Streetcar Funds (Infrastructurist) [...]
December 9th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
[...] Lots of American Cities Competing for Federal Streetcar Funds (Infrastructurist) [...]
December 9th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
If you look at it soberly streetcars leave much to be desired. Low floor trams look flash and yes speed has increased: from 10 to around 12 or 15km/h, over a 100 year period. Difference is that today I can buy for $200 a motorcar that gives me 40km/h average speed; why bother a streetcar. Watch the flash low floor tram around Sydney central stations. Strenuous walk is faster, no joke. So now they (see Queensland, Australia Gold Coast ‘Rapid Transport (GCRT) project) make speed a bit palatable by (1) call it ‘rapid’, (2) flash up the on-screen animation and (3), the old failed strategy, cut stations. An impractical 920m for the GCRT project, how can this serve people? how can this attract full steam patronage?. Cutting stations leaves ordinary people and their real estate values behind. Well done but (1) and (2) belong to the world of deception and for (3) the tourist will pay, by their absence that is.
I am promoting Waverail, a 21st century tram system. We are running at 39km/h point to point speed and we have narrowly spaced stations (350m in the CBD, 700m in the suburbs). Streetcars are dead. Long live the non-stop rail.
http://www.waverail.ch
http://www.waverail.blogspot.com
http://www.waverail.wordpress.com
December 10th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
I love streetcars. I love the feel of them and what they do to the urban environment. However, forgive my paranoia, but how safe are these? Have studies been performed on the implications of mixing pedestrians with vehicular traffic, and rail cars with vehicular traffic? I would love to know what safegurds are in place and how they are determined. An article on this would be fascinating. And if no studies have been done, call me. As an architect, I’m always there for new work opportunities.
December 10th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Here’s my website.
December 10th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Also missing from the list, unless I’m missing some clever distinction, is Cleveland’s existing street car/light rail, which is a hybrid of a classic street car line, and a light rail extension.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_and_Green_Lines_%28Cleveland%29
December 10th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
[...] Cities planning streetcar lines, from Infrastructurist [...]
December 10th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
Here, forward later
December 11th, 2009 at 4:19 am
[...] It looks like there is going to be a renaissance of sorts in the streetcar (tram) scene. According to The Infrastructurist 45 cities have expressed varying interest in building (or in some cases rebuilding) streetcar systems. No indication as to why there should be such a revolution in attitudes, but if this could be replicated elsewhere then goodness alone knows what will happen in US cities – The Infrastructurist [...]
December 14th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Streetcar Lines in the United States and Canada was amazing .it would help a lot in future
December 15th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Add Ogden, Utah to the list. Salt Lake City currently has two under consideration–a downtown streetcar (I believe HDR is the consultant) and a Sugarhouse Streetcar.
December 19th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Add Waterloo, Ontario.
http://stevemunro.ca/?p=2316
December 21st, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Don’t forget the City of Ottawa! They have spent years planning for LRT.
http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/public_consult/transit_tunnel/lrt_newsletter_en.html
Check it out!
S
March 7th, 2010 at 1:28 am
Where’s the thinking in Richmond, Va.? They destroyed a rather expansive trolley system years ago, and they’re now talking about making their diesel hogs bigger and faster. Something about efficiency and “rapid transit”. Better to put their money back into a scaled down metro trolley system. It’s almost a guarantee that it will be done someday. Richmond…spend your money right and you won’t have to spend it twice.
May 21st, 2010 at 2:09 pm
[...] Image: The future of American streetcars/Infrastructurist [...]