Definition: Streetcar Circulator

In July 2001, Portland (OR) inaugurated a new class of urban transit with its downtown circulator streetcar system. Though Portland operates both light rail and heritage trolleys (on the central part of the light rail system), the new line is distinctly different from both. It is essentially a hybrid combining features of heritage trolley lines, traditional downtown streetcar lines, and light rail. The line is built completely in the pavement of city streets and operates in mixed traffic, just as a traditional streetcar line did. The line is confined completely to the downtown area, as is normally the case with heritage trolley lines. However, the cars operated on the line are of a new European, low floor design, and are essentially smaller versions of light rail cars. Service is frequent, stop spacing is relatively short, and average operating speed is low. City officials chose modern streetcars, rather than much lower cost buses, as they believed the streetcar would attract more riders, inspire development, and generally make a positive contribution to the urban environment. See the description of this project (Portland Streetcar) for a further explanation of the rationale for choosing this mode of transport.

A modern streetcar on Portland's new downtown circulator streetcar system.

Tacoma, Washington is another city constructing a similar, though even shorter, streetcar line connecting an Amtrak and commuter rail station with downtown.