Fort Worth — Streetcars OKd

Rail Transit Online, July 2002

A proposed 7.6-mi. (12.2 km), $165-million downtown streetcar project was approved by the Fort Worth Transportation Authority's (FWTA) board of directors on June 6 and by the city council five days later, although several members of both agencies objected because they believe rail vehicles will be too slow to justify their cost.  “I can understand the council wanting to make sure we are on the right track,” Mayor Kenneth Barr, a strong streetcars supporter, told the council.  “At this point, I think it makes sense to go ahead and get started on this starter project.”   He also recommended that a delegation of elected officials travel to other cities operating successful street railways to see for themselves how it would work.  The line, part of a long-range transportation plan that includes a commuter rail route from downtown to the Hulen area, would be the first phase of a comprehensive streetcar system.  The initial segment would link the museums area west of downtown with the medical district and Texas Wesleyan University, primarily running on Rosedale Street.  The proposal would still have to go before voters, tentatively in November 2004 when a $52-million bond issue to finance a portion of the local share would be placed on the ballot.