FINAL STREETCAR FEASIBILITY REPORT (15MB) - June, 2010
Final Public Meeting Presentation - June, 2010

As the the Colorado Springs Streetcar Feasibility Study concludes, the citizen-led Streetcar Task Force has responded to many questions about the need for a streetcar system and how it will be funded.  The following key messages address some of the most frequently asked questions.

1.  It's important to plan now for initiatives that will spur economic development and create a livable, walkable, and vibrant city.
2.  The streetcar project is a citizen initiative ... citizens stepping up to spur much needed economic development and job creation.
3.  The study indicates a starter streetcar system can be funded through numerous options that won't involve raising local taxes.
4.  Federal funding/grants are available specifically for transit projects.  Those funds cannot be used for transit operations, city public works, safety, or city maintenance needs.


Background of Study

Portland Streetcar

The Colorado Springs Streetcar Feasibility Study explored the relationship between streetcars and urban development in Colorado Springs by examining the feasibility of implementing a streetcar system for downtown Colorado Springs and surrounding areas along with the associated economic impact. 

Supporting business, residential and cultural development in the downtown core is an important land use and economic development goal for the City of Colorado Springs. Based on the successful implementation of streetcar service and the corresponding economic development in other cities across the United States, the City of Colorado Springs looked at the feasibility of building a streetcar system to encourage business, residential and cultural development in the downtown core.

Central Arkansas Transit Authority River Rail

The feasibility study was conducted by Mountain Metropolitan Transit to examine the potential feasibility and costs of developing a streetcar system in the central business district of Colorado Springs and surrounding areas. It recommended possible initial alignments and operating and implementation plans, but focused on determining if such a system is economically fundable by the local community. The study was co-sponsored and partially funded by Colorado College, the Downtown Development Authority, the Business Improvement District, the Urban Renewal Authority, the Old North End Neighborhood, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and Bircham's Office Products.  

Streetcar Task Force Contact:  Chairman Val Snider, ValSnider@comcast.net