Portland Begins Process For Streetcar Expansion

Due to the success of Portland's downtown streetcar, city officials are already in the beginning stages of planning future lines throughout the city.

1 minute read

October 30, 2007, 10:00 AM PDT

By Mike Lydon


"The next big thing for your neighborhood: How about the Portland Streetcar?

Emboldened by the success of the downtown streetcar line, city leaders want to expand service into a network that would crisscross the city.

Unlike bus service, city planners say, a streetcar could generate business and political momentum for clusters of midrise housing and commercial centers that could spread the walkable feel of popular urban neighborhoods.

About 140 miles of the city's busiest streets show potential for new streetcar routes, said Patrick Sweeney, project manager for the Portland Office of Transportation. Those streets have dense enough housing, employment and shopping -- and are zoned for more."

Thanks to Jeff Wood

Monday, October 29, 2007 in The Oregonian

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