Our Vision: Bring Back the Streetcars
Our Vision
There are many advantages to streetcars.
Steel wheels on steel rails slice fuel consumption and allow bigger vehicles. Operating costs go down, while people carried goes up.
New track and pole designs make streetcars an attractive part of the community. The tracks represent a solid commitment to the neighborhood, enhancing real estate values.
Electric power means lower emissions, less noise and gives flexibility in fuel sources.
These advantages have led hundreds of cities around the world to build new streetcar lines or expand their legacy networks.
The success of the San Diego Trolley led to a resurgence in North America. Now 35 cities have some variant of streetcar or light rail system in operation or under construction. Many Chicago bus routes carry more riders than the most successful US streetcar lines. Converting some of these routes to streetcars would strengthen Chicago's economy and contribute to the City's green initiatives.
There are several places in the suburbs and across the state where streetcars make a lot of sense.