Debating Providence's Streetcar Plans

As Providence, Rhode Island gears up for its second attempt at TIGER funds to help pay for its proposed streetcar line, a local reporter makes a sometimes surprising case against the plan.

May 15, 2014, 8am PDT | James Brasuell | @CasualBrasuell

An article by Kate Nagle examines the prospects of streetcar plans in Providence, Rhode Island, where local officials are applying for TIGER grants for the second time after losing out on funding last year.

"According to the City of Providence's proposal put forth this spring, the streetcar route would encompass 2.5 miles, with a one time cost of $114 million -- of which 34% would come from federal funding -- followed by annual costs of $3 million for the 12 stop line."

Like many others pushing for streetcars, planners in Providence are hoping that the streetcar will bring economic development benefits like job creation and increases in property values.

Nagle repeatedly references a recent article by Yonah Freemark, which questioned the impact of light rail in some of its early adopter cities, like Portland and San Jose. Freemark responded to the article on Twitter: