Tucson ― Streetcar Study
Rail Transit Online, February 2006
Phase I of an Alternatives
Analysis on a proposed 3.8-mi. (6.1 km) downtown streetcar line is nearly
complete, although the cost estimate has risen from $90 million to $100
million. The zigzag route would run from the Arizona Health Sciences Center
to the vicinity of Interstate 10 west of downtown, although a specific route
has not been selected. The Regional Transportation Authority hopes to
obtain 50 percent funding from the federal government and have the line
open, using modern streetcars, in 2012. There could also be a tie-in with
the existing Old Pueblo Trolley, a heritage line that operates along
University Boulevard and 4th Avenue. The Tucson city council is scheduled
to vote on whether to support the project at its Jan. 18 meeting. “For us,
it's an important milestone,” transportation department project manager
Shellie Ginn told the Arizona Daily Star. “We've got a ways to go. But
we're sticking to our timeline, and we're doing pretty well.” A spokesman
for Mayor Bob Walkup said little or no opposition is expected from council
members. A major hurdle will be the May 16 ballot, when voters will have to
approve a half-percent sales tax increase to finance the streetcar’s local
share.
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