Los Angeles — Thumbs Up for Trolleys

Rail Transit Online — March 2006

A consultant study released in early February shows that a proposed vintage streetcar system through downtown Los Angeles is not only feasible, it would give the area a significant economic boost.  The $100,000 federally-funded analysis was conducted by the IBI Group for the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles.  It showed a core route linking the Civic Center along Broadway to Staples Center and serving other activity centers would boost efforts to revitalize downtown, attracting both tourists and residents who need an attractive and efficient local transportation system.  Four potential alignments were analyzed, ranging from the basic 3.1 mi. (5 km) line to an expanded 4.6-mi. (7.4 km)  route.   The estimated capital cost would be $60 million to $73 million, depending on length, but no funding sources have yet been identified.  Backers of the scheme, called the L.A. Red Car Project, include the Los Angeles Conservancy the Central City Association and other civic groups.  The idea originated with George Eslinger, former general manager of the City’s Bureau of Street Lighting.  The next stage of the program is more detailed planning and development of a financing scenario followed by engineering and environmental work.