Winston-Salem, NC — Streetcars Suggested

Rail Transit Online, November 2004

The $175,000 second phase of a feasibility study on a proposed $130-million streetcar line to connect downtown with residential areas, tourist locales, universities, medical facilities and job centers is about to get underway following approval by the city council.  The initial analysis showed the rail system, modeled on the Portland Streetcar, would be feasible and that the project should be built incrementally (see RTOL, Sept. 2003).  The initial 3.7-mi. (6 km) route would cost approximately $45 million and would link the future Piedmont Triad Research Park with Wake Forest University Medical Center along Fourth and Fifth streets.  The second part of the study will determine whether the streetcars will be worth the investment, estimate potential ridership and establish specific funding sources.  Previously suggested financing components were the private sector, bonds, higher parking fees, federal grants and tax revenue.  The trolleys are seen as a tool to stimulate economic development downtown.  Public forums will be held to get community input on routes and construction impacts.