The Los Angeles City Council voted to allow the Los Angeles Streetcar project to begin preliminary engineering.
The proposed Downtown LA Streetcar officially moved to its next phase this week, when the Los Angeles City Council's Transportation Committee voted 5-0 to allow Los Angeles Streetcar, Inc. (LASI) to contract out the preliminary engineering work for the project.
A recent estimate from planning and engineering firm AECOM raised eyebrows when it estimated the total cost of the proposed streetcar at $281.6 million—a far greater total than the $125 million figure presented to voters in 2012. Since this amount would exceed the Federal Transit Administration's $250 million limit for projects seeking funding under the Small Starts program, the streetcar would thus be ineligible for a $75 million FTA grant currently under review. In total, the project would face a funding shortfall of $144 million.
One factor contributing to this high preliminary estimate is an FTA rule that all applicant projects which have completed less than 5 percent of engineering work must budget a 30 percent contingency to absorb any possible cost overruns. This contingency rule will no longer apply to the proposed streetcar after preliminary engineering work is completed, potentially lowering cost estimates. Preliminary engineering work may also provide opportunities for further cost savings through modifications to the project's design.
Additionally, LASI intends to explore public-private partnerships as a means of generating additional funding for the project. This may include the construction of a mixed-use development in conjunction with the streetcar's maintenance facility.
The proposed 3.8-mile route would run in mixed traffic between the Civic Center and South Park neighborhoods along Broadway, 1st, 11th, 7th, Figueroa and Hills Streets. Unlike the Metro Rail system, which connects Downtown Los Angeles with adjacent neighborhoods and cities, the streetcar would provide function as a local circulator for residents and visitors. The design phase for the project is expected to begin next year. Operations are expected to commence by 2020.
FULL STORY: LA Streetcar Project Moves to Next Phase

Planetizen’s Top Planning Books of 2023
The world is changing, and planning with it.

Chicago Red Line Extension Could Transform the South Side
The city’s transit agency is undertaking its biggest expansion ever to finally bring rail to the South Side.

How ‘Daylighting’ Intersections Can Save Lives
Eliminating visual obstructions can make intersections safer for all users.

San Diego Trolley Nation’s Most Popular Light Rail
The system's ridership benefited from an extension project and free transit for youth.

San Jose Affordable Housing Development Gains Approval
A proposed project is moving forward with reduced building heights and all-affordable units.

Oklahoma City Begins Work on Parking-Protected Bike Lane
The project is part of the city’s broader plan to improve bike and pedestrian infrastructure and road safety.
City of Morganton
San Joaquin County
University of New Mexico - School of Architecture & Planning
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Park City Municipal Corporation
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
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.