Purpose of Project
The purpose of this project is to assess the technical and economic feasibility of a streetcar system for
· Enhancing mobility by:
o Providing additional transportation capacity to help accommodate increasing person trips in the City;
o Providing additional multi-modal transportation capacity above and beyond that projected by 2030;
o Encouraging an increase in choice transit riders while continuing to serve the needs of transit-dependent riders; and
o Providing increased linkages to other transportation modes and activity centers throughout the study area, with the potential for long-term expansion to other major activity centers throughout the region.
· Enhancing and promoting economic development by:
o Providing an incentive for new development along transit-friendly mixed-use corridors;
o Promoting increased local travel for residents, employees, and visitors through the focus of mixed-use employment, residential, and commercial development in the corridor;
o Promoting neighborhood reinvestment and character preservation that creates stability in residential areas in the City;
o Helping to develop an attractive streetscape, people-friendly amenities, and mixed use in the City that will help transform auto-dominated streets into lively, active corridors that support the needs of transit users and encourages people to walk; and
o Promoting historic preservation and good urban design that contributes to the development of a sense of place and community in the City and its neighborhoods.
· Providing an environmentally and financially sustainable alternative to the single-occupant auto that:
o Reduces overall vehicle miles traveled and reduces greenhouse gas emissions per person trip while increasing overall transportation capacity;
o Encourages and incorporates increased bicycle and pedestrian activity; and
o Integrates green design into all elements of its implementation.
