Tucson — Early Start Requested
February 2014
Tucson now has four of the eight streetcars it ordered from United Streetcar LLC of Clackamas, OR, and is asking the Federal Transit Administration [FTA] to begin revenue serviee early instead of waiting until all eight have been delivered and tested, The Arizona Daily Star reported on Februar 20.
Tucson originally ordered seven cars but FTA wanted an eighth added as a cushion for service and maintenance. The city wants to start service July 25 and have the $196 million, 3.9-mile line in operation one month before fall semester classes start at the University of Arizona. The line bisects the campus on Second Street and passes just north of the university Student Union and Administration Building. It is unlikely that all eight streetcars will be on hand and fully tested by July 25.
Sunlink officials would like to have some operating experience in hand before the full student load returns for the fall semester. An FTA waiver will be required to begin operations with fewer than the mandated number of cars. |