Little Rock — Streetcar Milestone

Rail Transit Online, June 2005

The Central Arkansas Transit Authority this summer expects to seek bids on a quarter-mile (0.4 km) extension of the River Rail streetcar line to the Bill Clinton presidential library, although it’s not certain that the line can be built.  “Depending on the bids we receive, we’ll find out if we have enough money for phase two that could be open for spring or summer next year,” CATA Executive Director Keith Jones told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.  The project, with an estimated price tag of $9.2 million, would include the purchase of two new replica Birney trolleys from Gomaco, bring the fleet to five.  Meanwhile, the existing 2.5-mi. (4 km) route connecting the downtowns of Little Rock and North Little Rock carried its 100,000th passenger in mid-May, six-and-a-half months after it opened and well ahead of projections.  A 1997 feasibility study forecast 130,000 riders during the first year.

Meanwhile, the Community Transportation Association of America, has honored Jones with its  national transit manager of the year award.  The prize is given annually to “…a community transportation manager (who demonstrates) leadership and vision while providing transportation service that is an integral part of the community.”