Rising gasoline costs coupled with the central city's revitalization has spurred a recent resurgence of interest in a modern streetcar system for Fort Worth.

Beginning in 2006, the Central City Redevelopment Committee, chaired by Fran McCarthy, revisited a 2002 study that recommended a Fort Worth central city light rail streetcar similar to successful systems in Little Rock, Portland, Charlotte, Seattle, Tampa, San Francisco, and other cities across the country.

The committee's work led to the publication of a new report: Modern Streetcars for Fort Worth (.pdf). Read about how things have changed significantly over the past five years to create favorable conditions for a modern streetcar system. In addition to expanding transportation choices, modern streetcars have proven to be a major stimulant for economic development.

The report was widely distributed, and response from community leaders has
been favorable, leading the Mayor and City Council to appoint a Streetcar Study Committee in July 2008. That committee is charged with evaluating the merits and feasibility of such a system and reporting back with recommendations, including strategies for funding construction, operations, and maintenance.

The work is just beginning, so stay tuned.

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On the Drawing Boards / Under Construction, Parks / Streets / Transit