http://www.patcopaexpansion.com/index.html
It seems that Philadelphia wants to get further into the act of rejuvenating the streetcar lines from older times. This project would create a new line in an area where one might not have existed before (did one), along the waterfront, with connections somehow to the downtown core.
San Francisco has done the same, using the same historic trolleys (in fact many are PCC from Philadlephia) from Fishermans wharf, along the Embarcadero, and then down Market Street.
http://www.sfmta.com/cms/mfleet/histcars.php
Intriguing plan but it fails to address some major obstacles to developing the Waterfront: namely, existing roadways and incentives to go there. A huge, heavily trafficed, multi-lane stretch of road still severs the residential and commercial neighborhoods from the actual waterfront. Where would this light rail be positioned? Would it disrupt existing traffic flows or would they have their own dedicated lanes? What is the utltimate goal here? To generate interest in waterfront development? To provide transportation alternatives to eastern Philadelphia residents? To improve access to looming casino development?
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge believer in public transportation, but others aren't so enamored with these kinds of projects. I appreciate that each of the proposed alternatives extend south to Pier 70 and norht to Girard Avenue. That suggests that planners have considered the needs of local residents, rather than catering the system to NJ and PA out-of-towners.
PATCO must have some money to play with though (stimulus funds maybe?) because they're proposing some major expansions. SEPTA should be paying attention.