Electric rail by location in US and Canada
By Paul M. Weyrich
June 07, 2007

It is unbelievable that some 70 locations have proposed some sort of streetcar or light rail project. While many of us would love to see electric rail in all locations it is my judgment that there will be extensions and new systems in between 28 and 32 locations. In view of where we were back in 1970 when we were reduced to just seven cities with electric rail the fact that we will have many more systems in operation by 2020 is absolutely amazing.

I will examine each city where electric rail has been proposed and give you my judgment as to whether or not there will be an operation.

Albuquerque, New Mexico: Has looked at building a circulator streetcar system to match its now operating commuter rail line. However, the mayor has backed off saying that the streetcar is too expensive. It is not clear if the line will be built. (?)

Ames, Iowa: Has proposed a streetcar line. Ames once had a small interurban line. It is unlikely that the line will be built because it is unclear where the money would come from. (-)

Atlanta, Georgia: It is looking at both a rather lengthy light rail line around the beltway. In addition the mayor is pushing an equally lengthy streetcar line along Peachtree Street. Given the dynamics of the city it is reasonable to presume that some sort of rail system will be built. The Senators are supporting at least one of the projects. (+)

Austin, Texas: Is about to launch a commuter rail line. Also proposed are two light rail lines and one streetcar line. Most likely the effort will be to expand the commuter rail system so in my view the electric rail lines will not be built. (-)

Baltimore, Maryland: An east-west light rail line has been proposed as has a downtown streetcar line. There is no Mayor Schaeffer to make these a priority nor has the Governor taken a special interest in rail. Absent strong leadership those lines may not be built. Recently, however, a new study sponsored by the city, will study the Cost of utility relocation, could mean new hope for streetcars IF the Study indicates that utility relocation is with-in reason. (?)

Baton Rouge, Louisiana: A light rail has been proposed here. There is almost no rush hour here so who will come up with the money? (-)

Bayonne, New Jersey: A small streetcar line, being a feeder system for the Hudson Bergen Line rail line, may be built. Eight former Newark, New Jersey PCC cars have been reserved for this purpose. The line is small enough that it may be built. (+)

Birmingham, Alabama: Both LRT and streetcar lines have been proposed but there seems to be neither urgency nor money to get them done. (-)

Boise, Idaho: The Mayor has pushed for a circulator streetcar for downtown. He says one can see the path of the old tracks from outer space. Nevertheless, there is no real impetus for the line. (-)

Boston, Massachusetts: The current Governor and other officials have proposed a massive bond issue which would, among other things, extend the Green line to Medford. Observers say that this may well be the best chance ever to extend the Green line. (+)

Bradenton, Florida: Has proposed a light rail system. The odds are it will never be built. (-)

Calgary, Alberta: Both light rail lines are being significantly extended with work going on concurrently. With extensions on three of the four current terminals, new cars will be required. Calgary has basically brought off the shelf equipment from Siemans. There is little indication that a new car order will be different. (+)

Charlotte, North Carolina: The first light rail and the first streetcar line (part of the light rail line) are scheduled to open this year. It is likely that at least two (and perhaps more) light rail lines are likely to be built unless a referendum in November 2007 repealing the local funding for the system is successful. (+)

Charleston, West Virginia: Proposed interurban to Huntington, WV unless Robert C. Byrd will make funds for this line his swansong it will never be built. (-)

Charlottesville, Virginia: A heritage streetcar line was proposed here. It has no momentum. (-)

Cincinnati, Ohio: The light rail proposal has been rejected by voters but there is still some hope for a streetcar line. (?)

Columbus, Ohio: The mayor is pushing for a downtown streetcar operation. Given his strong support and the reasonable cost this has a possibility. (+)

Corpus Christi, Texas: A proposed streetcar line has no momentum or funding behind it. (-)

Dallas, Texas: The expansion plans for the McKinney Ave. streetcars will extend the route down olive to the Dart Light Rail Line where it will turn left and parallel DART to the cancer survivor’s plaza. This will allow the streetcar cross platform access to DART trains in downtown. In addition to the McKinney Av. Line, DART itself will double by between 2012 to 2020. The next lines to be worked on will be the Green line. (+)

Dayton, Ohio: The long interurban line has since been dropped but a streetcar line had a better but unlikely chance. (-)

Denver, Colorado: It will add two electric rail Commuter Lines (EMU). One of the remaining lines is up In the air and a fourth will be a Diesel line (DMU). The EMU lines will be in place of light rail which the railroads contend are not safe. All of the EMU and DMU lines will meet at Union Station. (+)

Des Moines, Iowa: The proposed streetcar line almost certainly will not be built. (-)

Detroit, Michigan: The three mile elevated loop was shut down after it was damaged But it is back running now. It will not be extended. Right now alternatives analysis are being considered for a rapid transit system for Detroit. Authorities have said they want the input of the public on the current considerations:
Light rail, rapid streetcar, bus rapid transit, or enhancement of the current bus service. (-)

El Paso, Texas: The proposed line which once ran into Mexico could be revived. Some track and overhead is still intact from 1974 when it was abandoned. The PCC streetcars which are stored would have to be rehabilitated. The revival is unlikely. (-)

Edmonton, Alberta: The Transit Authority is requesting an additional 11 light rail vehicles due to heavy patronage. In addition the single light rail line will be extended incrementally. Currently the line is 10 miles long, partially above ground, partially in subway and partially on a spectacular long bridge, bringing the trains to the University campus. The Authority also operates five Electric Trolley Bus lines. Of the seven systems in the United States and Canada, Edmonton is the only system operating old equipment. Thus far no decision has been made on whether or not to retain trolley buses. (+)

Fayetteville, Alaska: The current Heritage streetcar line is unlikely to be added. (-)

Fort Collins, Colorado: The current mile and a half with one single track under the proposed plan would be remade into a functioning streetcar system. But where the capital is for this effort is not known. It is unlikely to happen. (-)

Fort Worth, Texas: The Mayor at first backed a robust streetcar line but then backed off. Unless he returns to enthusiastic backing the line is unlikely to be built. (-)

Grand Rapids, Michigan: The local transit authority has asked for an RFP for a downtown streetcar operation. The original line would only be a little more than three miles. But there are plans for at least five different extensions. If the RFP comes back with a reasonable cost, it may be an incentive for local authorities to push for a streetcar. (?)

Honolulu, Hawaii: The Governor and the Mayor are backing a light rail line but there is still a chance for a guided bus route. (+)

Houston, Texas: While voters approved a large light rail system the Mayor doubled crossed the voters and caved in to the Bush administration. Only one and a half light rail lines will be added to the current popular line. (+)

Indianapolis, Indiana: This city once had one of the largest electric railway networks in the country. A possible light rail proposal has been made but there is little leadership support for the proposal. A higher priority is to establish a commuter rail with DMU equipment. (-)

Irvine, California: Local authorities have voted to build and operate a 3.4 mile streetcar line Beginning at a well used park and through John Wayne airport and beyond Where the car line would connect with a 1.6 mile bus line making for a five Mile transit system. Many hoops have yet to be overcome, including state Reprogramming of money which had been earmarked for the now defunct Center line light rail system but right now the streetcar line looks hopeful. (+)

Kansas City, Missouri: Voters shocked the political establishment by approving a 27-mile light rail line, fed by electric trolley buses. Likely the specific proposal approved by the voters will not be implemented. But there is a substantial chance that some sort of light rail project will be built. (+)

Kenosha, Wisconsin: This city of about 100,000 residents has an approximately 2-mile streetcar line which connects the lakefront with the METRA commuter station with trains to Chicago. Its ridership is minimal but the city has a proposal to extend the system to a new shopping center and housing development. The FTA has been skeptical but I believe strong support from Congress and others may see the Uptown line approved. (+)

Knoxville, Tennessee: A proposed downtown streetcar does not appear to be going anywhere. (-)

Lancaster, Pennsylvania: A Heritage streetcar line for the downtown area has been proposed as a shuttle connecting important sites.
Although the line was set back because FTA denied funding from the Small starts program, the Mayor said this set back was temporary and in due course the line will be built. (+)

Lansing, Michigan: A light rail system has been advocated but it is more likely that a commuter line will be initiated. (-)

Las Vegas, Nevada: Traffic congestion is choking the city. LRT has been proposed but it appears so-called Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) will be built first. Meanwhile the four mile long monorail, which connects some hotels, is not meeting its financial obligations. It could file for bankruptcy in the coming year. (-)

Little Rock, Arkansas: A Heritage streetcar line connects Little Rock with North Little Rock and to the Clinton Presidential library. There are proposals for incremental expansion. Most likely some will be implemented especially if Hillary Clinton is elected President. (+)

Long Beach, California: Authorization for a study of a downtown streetcar has been expanded to include all parts of the city. Various Alderman complained that a streetcar line was only being considered to help revitalize downtown. So city planners agreed to study streetcars for the entire city. (?)

Lorain, Ohio: A Streetcar line for the downtown area has been proposed for the downtown area. Either Heritage or Modern might apply but there seems to be little momentum. (-)

Los Angeles, California: Three LRT lines currently are operating. An extension to one and another line are being constructed. There are serious plans for a number of others. Streetcar lines are a possibility. The House just passed a bill sponsored by Rep.Schiff with the help of Chairman Oberstar to extend the Gold Line all the way to its planned extension beyond Compton. The Senate has yet to approve the bill but is likely to do so in September. Streetcars lines are also a possibility. (+)

Louisville, Kentucky: A LRT system was proposed and expanded upon in the late 1990s but when it could not meet FTA requirements the system was put on hold – it was recently revived. Still, it is unlikely in the near future to move forward. (?)

Lowell, Massachusetts: The National Park Service operates a mile long streetcar line. There are proposals to expand the line. Some would operate to various parts of the city others would expand the Park Service line. In any case, this has a better chance than most Heritage lines. (+)

Madison, Wisconsin: The Mayor favoring a downtown streetcar system and the County Executive who has favored a commuter rail line, have fought each other to a standstill for years, but now they have come to an agreement to form a regional transit authority which would build the DMU commuter rail line first and the streetcar line second. Some have claimed that the Mayor has capitulated to the County Executive. In any case this makes it much more likely that there will be some action here. (+)

Memphis, Tennessee: A three-line Heritage system has been operating since the early 1990s. The latest line to be built – out to the Medical center – was built with catenary. The line is supposed to be a LRT line to Memphis International Airport. However, it does not have real financial backing but still is likely to be built. (+)

Miami, Florida: Miami authorities appear to be ready to seek legislation which would permit a private/public partnership to build a downtown streetcar. Already a firm from Portugal has stepped forward indicating it would be willing to be a private partner. Since some funding is available, the streetcar may indeed be built. (+)

Milwaukee, Wisconsin: The Mayor has proposed a streetcar line from the east side of University of Wisconsin in location to the baseball stadium. Two radio personalities oppose it, so it is likely that it will be dead in the water, Nevertheless Alderman Bob Bauman added the streetcar to a zoning bill. Still until conditions change, it is highly unlikely that rail will be built. (-)

Minneapolis, Minnesota: The Hiawatha LRT connects downtown Minneapolis with the airport and the Mall of America. Now the FTA has all but given the go-ahead for a second line to St. Paul. Two additional LRT or BRT lines are in the offing. Meanwhile, Mayor R.T. Ryback is pushing streetcars aggressively. Ridership on a second line would also be strong. (+)

Montreal, Quebec: The Mayor has advocated returning streetcars to many attractions in Montreal. The city council was not enthusiastic. Also money is short. Right now the streetcar proposal doesn’t appear to be moving. (?)

New York City, New York: For years there has been talk of a streetcar line on 42nd street. But authoritative sources tell me it will never be built. There are also plans for an LRT shuttle for the Staten Island Rapid Transit system. That also is extremely unlikely to happen. (-)

Norfolk, Virginia: Federal funds have been approved for a starter LRT line. State funds may be collected and local funds already are on tap. There appears to be a problem getting things moving forward. Still with money approved it is unlikely that the line will not be built. It will be called the Tide. (+)

Ogden, Utah: A streetcar line has been proposed but as of recent developments there appears to be little momentum to move forward. (-)

Omaha, Nebraska: A private developer some time ago said he would develop a streetcar line for Omaha. But that depended upon the actions of the city government. Thus far it does not appear that the bureaucratic structure has moved in a timely fashion. Recently, the Mayor has endorsed a three-mile modern streetcar line. (+)

Orlando, Florida: A LRT system for Orlando has been off and on several times. Currently, it is off. But given traffic problems it is likely that a system will be revived. In the mean time it will not be built. (-)

Ottawa, Ontario: A contract for electric light rail lines was signed but then the government changed hands. The contract was ripped up. Now it would appear that the O Train, the North-South Diesel light Rail line will be extended. In addition an East –West line will be also built. Part of that line would be in tunnel downtown and would use low emissions diesel light rail vehicles. There are still advocates of electric light rail on the Capitol but they appear to be a distinct minority. (-)

Phoenix, Arizona: The major 20 mile line is under construction as is a main line. A number of other small branches are authorized one of which is under construction and now another major line is under consideration. (+)

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: A LRT system is in operation in the south hills. But now an extension to the downtown subway across the river is under construction. The extension is 1.5 miles long. Other LR lines are under consideration. (+)

Portland, Oregon: A three line LRT system is operating and a fourth line is under construction. Portland also has a streetcar which serves an Ariel Tram. It may be extended and another streetcar line may be built. (+)

Providence, Rhode Island: A major pitch for a downtown streetcar system has been made along with enhanced bus participation. Given who serves from the state in Congress this looks promising. (+)

Richmond, Virginia: Streetcars were first successfully electrified here and a proposal for a downtown streetcar was made. Momentum seems to have come and gone. (-)

Rochester, New York: A proposal has been made for an LRT line to revive the Old Rochester subway. However the system does not appear to heading anywhere.(-)

Roanoke, Virginia: A study four years ago had recommended a downtown streetcar. But nothing came of it. Now the revived study has indicated that the streetcar ala Portland would greatly assist with development. To begin with a 1.3 mile downtown route has been recommended. (?)

Sacramento, California: The main line from I-80 to Folsom is now in operation and the south line is likely to be extended toward the airport. The current system has a cross trans-platform with Amtrak trains. A streetcar may be built there as well. (+)

San Antonio, Texas: A streetcar proposal for downtown and to de-congest the River walk has been proposed. There seems to be little interest here. (-)

St. Catherines, Ontario:: Authorities here are looking into a possible light rail system. St. Catherines was once served by the Niagara St. Catherines and Toronto Railway. Electric rail service ended in 1959. Some want to study the possibility of initiating service all the way to Kichener. (-)

St. Charles, Missouri: A questionable proposal to operate PCC cars between St. Charles and a suburb is now under consideration. PCC cars which have been out in the open for many years at Lake Tahoe, NV are now in the open at St. Charles. If the city agreed to go ahead, a huge amount of work would have to be done on the PCC cars. They are in bad shape. (-)

St. Louis, Missouri: This two line system is almost certain to be expanded with LRT trains. A streetcar feeder may be built. (+)

Stewart Airport, New York: Metro North has asked for an RFP to construct a rail line which will serve among other communities the Stewart Airport near Ogden New York. Metro North is a commuter rail operation so it could be expected that a commuter rail operation would be proposed. But Metro North insists it would be willing to accept light rail,. or even other possible modes. (-)

Salem, Oregon: A streetcar system has been proposed for downtown Salem. There appears to be little interest. (-)

Salt Lake City, Utah: A two line LRT system has been running for some years. Ridership has increased and surpassed all projections. Voters are in favor of local money. Accordingly TRAX authority now is preparing for no less than four additional LRT lines and a commuter rail line. Which lines will be built will depend upon federal funding. (+)

Seattle, Washington: A rather long LRT system is being constructed from the airport north of downtown to the university. In addition, a streetcar line is being built and the waterfront Heritage Streetcar line may be relocated. (+)

Spokane, Washington: This city in eastern Washington State once considered an extensive LRT system. But city council members said current traffic did not justify an LRT. But now authorities are considering a downtown streetcar. There seems to be some interest in building it based on success in Portland and Tacoma. (?)

Tampa, Florida: In addition to expanding the current Heritage Streetcar which has been approved by local authorities, also the LRT which had been set aside is now being revived thanks to the state legislature which has proposed a line connecting to YBOR city. The Governor, who had vetoed $ 1 Million for the LRT, has now signed the authorization bill. Local taxes will have to be raised for the matching share. (+)

Toledo, Ohio: A streetcar has been proposed for downtown but even though consultants seem to indicate that it makes sense, there seems to be little current interest. (-)

Toronto, Ontario: The Toronto Transit Commission ( TTC ) has recommended seven new streetcar lines, mostly built to light rail standards. They would be operating in outlying areas where there are no streetcars. This is in addition to refurbishing the current 10 lines. Although the federal government has yet to commit to its share, the TTC is moving ahead with preliminary engineering for the first line. The TTC also needs to replace the CLRV and the ALRV streetcars built between 1978 and 1984, operating on its current lines. The TTC may end up simply doing a mid life refurbishing of the current streetcars. But in any case, there will be some 230 new streetcars needed along with two maintenance facilities, what we used to call car barns , for the seven new lines. (+)

Tucson, Arizona: As part of a referendum including the expansion of highways, a proposal expanding the current weekend Heritage Streetcars has been approved. The current “Old Pueblo” streetcar runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. From the university to downtown, it is 1.1 miles long. The expansion would make the streetcar a modern line about four miles long. (+)

Vancouver, British Columbia: After two highly successful what might be classified as heavy rail lines, the Sky Train is actually making money. That is because the trains are automated. Both lines are now making money They are elevated. The new cars are quite attractive whereas the old cars are small, unattractive and noisy. Now for the first time the Vancouver Transit Authority is building what they call the Canada Line. They say it is a light rail line. Others might dispute that. It does operate on the ground. It is automated but so is a celebrated light rail line in Great Britain. It is powered by electricity. And the cars are much more attractive than the original Sky Train equipment. The large order of brand new electric trolley buses has been largely fulfilled. There are 13 lines operated by the electric buses. (+)

Vasalla-Tulane: An interurban has been proposed but it is unlikely to be built. (-)

Washington, D.C: A line in Anacostia connecting Metro with the new ball stadium is supposed to be under construction. The cars –ala Portland- have been ordered. If this line is successful there may be many more streetcar lines built but it is unclear what is happening here. (+)

Winton-Salem, North Carolina: A downtown streetcar has been proposed for downtown but it seems unlikely to be built. (-)

I would welcome any additions or corrections. I may be contacted at paulwey@freecongress.org.

Copyright Free Congress Foundation
2007