With our last meeting, we have passed the half-way mark in looking at streetcars for downtown Columbus. We expect to make a full recommendation to Mayor Coleman and City Council later this fall.  

One question people keep asking me is this, “Are streetcars still an option for downtown Columbus now that COTA has decided not to build light rail?”  The answer to that question is a definite yes.

Columbus streetcars are very different from the light rail system proposed by COTA. Streetcars are lighter, stop more frequently (every few blocks), operate with auto traffic, and connect destinations downtown, like the Arena to the Westin Hotel. Light-rail trains are heavier, run at faster speeds, stop less frequently and typically connect downtowns to suburbs and outlying neighborhoods.

Streetcar rails are also less costly to build because they require only about a foot of base, while the base for light-rail trains must be dug much deeper. Streetcars are highly versatile and spur private development along the line.

So don’t confuse COTAs regional transit decisions with Downtown Columbus streetcars. They are very different systems with different purposes.

Where Might the Streetcar Travel?

Working Group members scored the preliminary routes based on their perception of how well the route would spur and sustain economic growth and development, and connect Columbus visitors, workers and residents to important destinations.

All routes are preliminary and could change when more technical data is available.

Back to the Future: Streetcars

Mayor Coleman’s idea to bring streetcars back to Columbus may have you wondering, “Is history repeating itself?”

Take a look at the history of mass-transit in Columbus.

We want to hear from you!

Have something to say about Columbus streetcars? Send your ideas, thoughts and opinions tomailto:streetcars@downtowncolumbus.com