Myrtle Beach — Streetcars May Return

Rail Transit Online, November 2006

A $30,000 preliminary feasibility study by consultant URS Corp. is underway to determine if modern streetcar technology could effectively provide circulator service in this seaside resort that sees 14 million tourists annually.  Planners had been toying with the idea of an elevated monorail but the high cost — $380 million to $512 million — has ruled out that option.  Major new property development is spurring the streetcar study despite negligible use of the current bus system, which has cut service to meet budget deficits.  Chief city planner Jack Walker has proposed a rail line, initially three or four miles (4.8 km-6.4 km) long, running parallel to Ocean Boulevard with a spur to the convention center and other traffic generators.  Extensions could be built to the southern end of the hotel district, the airport and beyond Myrtle Beach, but Walker wants to keep it small at the start.  “We want it to be discussed in a positive way so that we don't kill it by looking too visionary and having too big a price tag on it,” he told The Sun News. 

Walker would like to reduce the number of cars clogging the city and believes streetcars could do that, putting visitors within walking distance of many attractions.  The study will include estimates of costs and ridership, operational and maintenance needs and a possible fare structure.  If the plan is shown to be practical and cost effective, Walker says he will bring it to the city council.  So far, no price tag has been attached to the project, but Little Rock’s River Rail line,, which is primarily single track, cost nearly $8.5 million per mile ($5.3 million per km).  Walker believes some form of private-sector contribution will be required, possibly including special taxing districts along the streetcar route.