Tacoma (Re)Considers Streetcars

Somewhat ironically, the City of Tacoma once had one of the most extensive streetcar systems in the country. However, as the automobile became more pervasive, Tacoma scrapped their system shortly before WWII. Now it appears they should have left them in place as an advisory taskforce is suggesting that the solution to providing walkable and sustainable neighborhoods is a streetcar system.

"One key obstacle discussed last night was how to balance mapping out a route while paying mind to existing public utilities infrastructure. Should engineers move a 50-year-old water main with a 100-year-old life span, incurring additional costs up front, to lay tracks, or build above the main and deal with repairs or replacement decades later?"

"Another obstacle: funding a streetcar line. The study is expected to shed light on costs associated with the idea, which some people have guessed could total $15 million per mile. According to the committee’s presentation, streetcar lines in other cities range between $22.2 million per mile in Atlanta to $46 million per mile in Denver."