​What is a Streetcar?

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In mid-sized cities like Cincinnati, not all types of public transportation are useful. Taxis work well in big cities like New York City, but aren't as effective in midsized cities--there just aren't enough people looking to take  a taxi home. Buses, while a better option for midsized cities than taxis, are still not the best option. They're bulky and difficult to maneuver in, especially if you have a stroller or wheelchair. They can also get stuck in traffic just as easily as any of the other cars on the street. This can lead to a bus schedule that does not accurately reflect when the buses will arrive and depart, which could very well mean that commuters and other travelers miss their bus. The underground systems in most midsized cities are not established enough for a subway system, making such a task daunting and tremendously expensive. With all these inefficient types of public transportation, where should the public turn to find a solution?

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A streetcar is a type of public transportation that runs through mid- to large cities. It receives its power from electricity from "a single overhead wire" (Arlington County). They operate much like a bus, but are "larger" and "carry more passengers" (Arlington County). A streetcar would run on a very tight schedule, as they are built for streets with "mixed traffic" (APTA). Aside from the electric, streetcars differ from other types of public transportation in that they have floors that are "level with the curb" which makes a streetcar more accessible for people with strollers or wheelchairs (Arlington). According to the American Public Transportation Association, a streetcar "can adapt to any built environment," which makes a streetcar a good option in cities with mixed traffic and those cities that cannot be changed too much to incorporate a streetcar (APTA). Streetcars typically span a downtown route only, "less than 10 miles" long, but cost less than $10 million per mile on average (APTA). Similar types of public transportation, like the light rail, can cost upwards of $20 million per mile.

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Clearly the traffic in our country is in need of fixing: there's not really anyone that can deny that. Newer versions of cars have helped limit waste of gasoline, but the traffic problem remains. The answer to this question may never be fully answered, but one thing's for sure: midsized cities should look into building a streetcar that travels along their roads. It adds historical value to a city. It's also effective and convenient, more so than other types of public transportation. Don't let the price tag on streetcars sway you. In the long run, it's not that expensive and the streetcars will make up for that with their cleaner transportation and cost-effective system and route. Think instead about all the people that could benefit from the streetcar. Commuters into the city could now have the option of parking their cars in a garage farther out from the main downtown area, away from the bulk of the traffic, and instead ride the streetcar into their work. And the people in housing projects, like Over the Rhine in Cincinnati, would benefit from the cheaper travel to the city, as times are hard and gas is expensive. A streetcar is an easy and totally possible project that could change the face of our midsized cities forever. All you have to do is jump onboard.

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References

Bowen, D. (2011). Comeback quickens for North American streetcars. Railway Age, 212(4), 47.
 

Bruner, J. (2008). Traffic Busters. Forbes, 181(9), 64.
 

City of Cincinnati [Map]. (2011). Retrieved from the Business Courier website: http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/print-edition/2011/09/02/city-of-cincinnati-utilities-miles.html
Devitt, C. (2011). A Streetcar's Uphill Battle. Bond Buyer, 376(33515), 9.
 

Elgazzar, K. (2011, November 9). Cincinnati voters reject streetcar amendment. Journal-News, The (Hamilton, OH).
 

Interstate 5 [Image]. (2010). Retrieved from Seattle's Big Blog website: http://blog.seattlepi.com/thebigblog/2010/11/24/report-seattle-has-fourth-worst-rush-hour/
 

Kenna, Kathleen. (2012). Six great ways to see San Francisco. Toronto Star, T1. Retrieved from: http://ebscohost.com
 

New York City [Image]. (2009). Retrieved from Directory of New York City website: http://www.directoryofnewyorkcity.com/blog/2009/05/how-to-find-parking-in-new-york-city/
 

Vock, D. C. (2011, April 4). Kasich shows no desire for Cincinnati streetcar. Stateline.org (Washington, DC).
 

United States of America [Image]. (2012). Retrieved from Top 50 States website: http://www.top50states.com/printable-map-of-usa.html
 

US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. (2005). The Worst Physical Bottlenecks in the United States: 2002 [data set]. Retrieved from: http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/congestion_report_04/chapter2.htm

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Arlington County Government. (2012) What is a streetcar? Retrieved from: http://sites.arlingtonva.us/streetcar/what-is-a-streetcar/?doing_wp_cron=1354497713.5108389854431152343750

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APTA  Streetcar and Heritage Trolley Site. What is a streetcar?  Retrieved from: http://www.heritagetrolley.org/artcileBringBackStreetcars4.htm​

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Video Images [Image]. Retrieved from: images.google.com