Modern Streetcars Gaining Popularity in Downtown Areas

Nov. 15, 2011 - PRLog -- Moving people throughout city centers in cost-effective, environmentally-friendly ways is important. When a transit system meets those needs while also driving economic development, cities nationwide sit up and take notice.

"We're tracking well over 50 communities around the United States that are interested in modern streetcars," says Chandra Brown, in the November issue of "Downtown Idea Exchange."

In comparing streetcars to other options, street cars can be less expensive, more environmentally friendly, longer lasting and require less maintenance. Brown says that a streetcar carries two or three times as many passengers as a bus while requiring only one operator, which saves on personnel costs.

Brown is the president of United Streetcar, a leading U.S. manufacturer of modern streetcars. She notes that light rails, busses, and streetcars all have their place. But in comparing these three options, street cars can be less expensive, more environmentally friendly, longer lasting and require less maintenance. But most importantly, says Brown, "it has been proven that streetcars drive economic development."

Details on the streetcar programs in Portland, OR, and Seattle, WA, appear in the November issue of "Downtown Idea Exchange."

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About the Downtown Research & Development Center

For over 50 years, the Downtown Research & Development Center has acted as the information clearinghouse on practical strategies and tactics for revitalizing the hearts of our cities and towns.

The Group's main activities include publishing the widely influential "Downtown Idea Exchange" and "Downtown Promotion Reporter" newsletters; publishing relevant books and reports; and operating the DowntownDevelopment.com website.

Website: http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com