WELCOME!

We are about halfway through our effort to look at the feasibility of streetcars
for our city. An overwhelming response on our Web site has spurred many questions about streetcars in Columbus. As we move forward, we would like to share our findings with you in a bi-weekly newsletter.

Columbus has dramatically changed over the past six years. More than $2 billion in public and privately-funded development is breathing life into our city. Downtown is becoming everybody’s neighborhood.

As our city continues to grow, we must take into account the increase of pedestrian and vehicle traffic. There is a requisite to improve short-transit options for Downtown’s residents, workers and visitors. Mayor Coleman’s idea to bring streetcars to Columbus could do just that.

To determine whether streetcars would work in our city, the mayor has appointed 42 citizens from Columbus and surrounding areas to make up the Downtown Streetcar Working Group. Its mission is to determine whether a reliable, affordable and inviting streetcar system can be built that spurs and sustains economic development and connects workers, residents and visitors with Downtown destinations.

This fall after all investigation is complete, the group will advise the mayor and city council on the feasibility of bringing streetcars to Downtown.

To learn more about the Downtown Streetcar Working Group and streetcars, visit http://www.downtowncolumbus.com/ and click on the streetcar link.

STREETCARS VS. LIGHT RAIL

What are some of the differences between streetcars and light rail? The following chart displays a few major variations.

TRIP TO PORTLAND A GREAT SUCCESS

In June Mayor Michael B. Coleman and 14 people from the Downtown Streetcar Working Group and project team traveled to Portland, Oregon to see a modern streetcar system in action. Here’s what some had to say:

Marie Keister was impressed with Portland’s streetcar system. “As we rode from one destination to the next, we couldn’t help but feel the energy of the city,” said Keister.

“It was amazing to witness how busy the streetcars were during the middle of the day,” said Bill Jennison.

“Seeing the success in Portland reinforces that streetcars are a low-cost, high-impact development tool that can help us continue the transformation of Downtown Columbus into a vibrant, 24/7 neighborhood for everyone,” said Mayor Coleman.