TOD Needed For Proposed Streetcar's Success

Posted by: Nate Berg

19 April 2007 - 9:00am

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is considering the development of a half-mile streetcar line to act as a test phase before a proposed 11-mile system is approved. Consultants say the system shouldn't be built without transit-oriented development.

"The only way streetcars would be feasible is if the city works closely with developers to integrate the system with their major upcoming developments at the former sites of the Pavilion and Myrtle Square Mall, consultants told city officials Monday."

"Members of the committee that met Monday suggested using a bus-based system to test out the routes first, though Wallace said they might not show the true potential of streetcar ridership."

"Streetcars and rail transit generally attract more riders than buses, studies show."

"The 11-mile system could cost $20 million to $30 million per mile."

Full Story: Streetcar test plan shown to MB officials

Source: The Sun News, April 17, 2007