Little Rock, AR
On November 1, 2004, Little Rock's heritage trolley system began public
operation on its initial route, to be followed by an extension to the Clinton
Library that opened on February 14, 2007. Photos of both the first and second
phases are below.
Follow this link for a press release issued by the Central Arkansas
Transit Authority upon the opening of the initial phase:
Goals stated for the project when it was launched were:
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Improve downtown mobility
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Revive the historic connection of residents with streetcars
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Promote economic development and tourism
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Provide transportation to convention center and arena events.
The economic benefit was felt even before construction began as two loft apartment developments
started along the route in Little Rock once planning began for the
line, and lofts and a River Market development were planned along the route
in North Little Rock. The line includes two miles of track and operates
three air conditioned replica cars built by Gomaco, at a price of $750,000 each.
Capital cost for the system was $19.6 million with annual
operating costs of $450,000.
Follow this link for an article summarizing the economic benefits resulting
from the line:
At the APTA Rail Conference on June 14, 2006, CATA General Manager Keith
Jones presented an update on the impact of the line and progress on extensions.
Follow this link for highlights of his presentation:
The photos below taken by Jim Schantz during the APTA Heritage Trolley and
Streetcar Task Force meeting in December, 2004, show Little Rock's River Rail
system in its opening weeks:
[photogallery/photo26005/real_p.htm]
This set of photos taken in February 2007 by John C. Jones so final
preparations for the Clinton Library extension and opening ceremonies:
[photogallery/photo20504/real_p.htm]
The following news notes from
Rail Transit Online provide an overview of developments as the system moved
through planning and construction phases:
Follow this link to the line's web site:
For more on Little Rock click on:
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