Vancouver — Streetcars Expansion

Rail Transit Online, June 2002

A public-private partnership is being considered for an extension of a heritage streetcar line now operating with volunteers from the Transit Museum Society on summer weekend afternoons between Granville Island and Science World.  The service is maintained by two restored BC Electric interurbans, No. 1207 (left) built in 1905, and No. 1231 dating to 1913.  The expansion, part of Vancouver’s new downtown transportation plan, would continue beyond Science World to Chinatown, the Gastown historic district, the waterfront, the Vancouver convention center and Stanley Park.  Also mentioned was a branch from Science World along Pacific Boulevard to the Roundhouse at Davie.  The price tag has been estimated at between C$40 million and C$80 million, depending on how much track is added.  Consultant Macquarrie North America has completed a study on the pros and cons of a public-private partnership which determined the concept was viable and has been used successfully elsewhere.  However, the firm warned that the Vancouver project would be relatively small and may not attract bidders.  Therefore, Macquarrie suggested that a private sector firm be sought early in the process without competitive bidding, although the 90-page report suggested that the next step be a more detailed analysis of the proposal.