Dayton — Streetcar Cost Triples

Rail Transit Online, September 2008

A proposed two-mile (3.2 km) streetcar line linking downtown with the university area would cost approximately $125 million, according to a new study by Parsons Brinckerhoff, not $40 million as estimated last year by the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority.

However, said RTA Executive Director Mark Donaghy, the consultant examined a slightly longer route, from Third and Main streets to Caldwell Street, and also factored in a high rate of inflation that could continue to drive up the cost of construction and basic materials.

PB projected annual operating expenses at $2 million compared to the RTA's figure of $700,000. Donaghy said he believes the consultant's estimate is fair but that the project could probably be built for less.

A streetcar task force appointed last year will now review the PB report and make a recommendation to the RTA board. However, the agency has already said it cannot afford to participate and would have to depend upon the federal and state governments for capital funding.