Vancouver Studying the Possibility of a Streetcar

Vancouver, often cited as a model of transportation planning success, is very carefully considering the idea of a streetcar.

1 minute read

December 4, 2017, 10:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


British Columbia

The Vancouver waterfront could, potentially, get a new mode. | LeonWang / Shutterstock

Vancouver, British Columbia is keeping the possibility open for streetcars to travel the streets of the city on Arbutus Street and around False Creek to Yaletown, Chinatown, the central waterfront and Stanley Park, according to an article by Frances Bula.

The status of streetcar planning in Vancouver is still extremely preliminary, and according to Bula, it's unlikely that any new streetcar route could be implemented inside a decade. But, "the city is about to hire outside consultants to study what needs to be done to ensure that no new building projects or road changes shut the door to a future streetcar line."

Bula notes that streetcars have a had mixed track record as they've been reintroduced in cities like Atlanta, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Portland. In Canada, the King Street streetcar line in Toronto recently received praise for prioritizing the streetcar line before automobile traffic. For its part, Vancouver is also a frequently cited model of transportation planning success.

Sunday, December 3, 2017 in The Globe and Mail

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

'Vertical canyon' on glass-clad residential high-rise in Denver, CO.

Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design

Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.  

November 29, 2024 - designboom

Aerial view of small town of Sparta, Wisconsin.

Opinion: Federal Government Must Continue Supporting Rural Housing Program

The incoming Congress will have a say in bolstering — or harming — the only federal housing program focused on affordable housing in rural areas.

1 hour ago - The Daily Yonder

Chicago sidewalk with brick homes in winter.

Chicago Budget Fails to Include Snow Plowing Program

Disability rights advocates say the “Plow the Sidewalks” program is a necessity for Chicagoans with limited mobility in winter months.

3 hours ago - Block Club Chicago

Close-up of yellow Pacers Bikeshare e-bike parked outdoors with blurred people in background.

Indy Bike Share Sees Sharp Growth Thanks to Free Pass Program

A new fleet of e-bikes and free access for Marion County residents are getting more people on bikes.

5 hours ago - Pacers Bikeshare

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.