The Streetcar Trend

Despite recent news about monorails, four southern cities are reviving or extending their streetcar lines -- part of a larger national trend.

1 minute read

August 2, 2004, 7:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Four cities either are inaugurating, reviving or extending their streetcar lines this year, bringing to 25 the number of metro areas in North America that are keeping alive the early 20th-century approach to mass transit... The Web site heritagetrolley.org lists 39 North American cities where projects are 'under active consideration.' Some of those systems, like the existing ones, will have vintage-style cars while others will opt for a sleeker modern style."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Friday, July 30, 2004 in USA Today

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Electric car charging area in a parking lot at a Costco in Clermont, Florida.

House Committee Proposes $250 EV Tax

The fee is higher than the average tax paid by gas-powered vehicle owners.

13 seconds ago - The Washington Post

Row of suburban homes.

Minnesota Senate Passes Bill Reining in HOAs

The bill would set a cap on HOA fines, require disclosure of conflicts of interest, and establish new rules for settling disputes.

1 hour ago - Minnesota Reformer

US Department of Transportation headquarters building in Washington DC.

Where USDOT Awarded $3.2 Billion in Grants

The department announced awards for projects that include intercity rail, low-emission buses, and tech-driven transit improvements.

2 hours ago - Mass Transit

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.

Comprehensive Bikeway Design Workshop

Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University

Early Bird Deadline – save on your tuition fee!🚨

Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)