Streetcars, Tacoma, and the NYTimes
Tacoma gets a brief mention in the New York Times again. This time for our “streetcar” system. In a story called “Downtowns Across the U.S. See Streetcars in Their Future” we thought our city’s streetcar dreams would be elucidated for all to understand. Then we read:
After looking into streetcar systems in Seattle, Tacoma, Wash., and Charlotte, Mr. Dohoney became convinced that they spur growth.
Wait. We have a streetcar? While we wouldn’t disagree with the conclusion of streetcars spurring growth, we are a little confused about where our miraculous streetcar is. Oh … right … LINK lightrail. Look kids, we’re inspirational!
Link to the New York Times
Filed under: In-the-Press
6 comments
R rick August 14, 2008
elu ci da ted, verb, \i-ˈlü-sə-ˌdāt\; to make lucid especially by explanation or analysis; to give a clarifying explanation
J Jake August 14, 2008
It is pretty normal for Tacoma to be mentioned in articles about cities looking into building streetcars/light rail.
A Andrew Becherer August 15, 2008
If Central Link and Tacoma Link are ever united into one system we can debate the streetcar vs. light rail terms. Until then our “1.6 mile light rail/trolley line” is effectively a streetcar (like the SLUT). Tacoma does share the right of way with automobiles for a not insignificant portion of the line.
C Chris August 15, 2008
It’s all politics. ST, being a regional transit authority, can’t invest money into streetcars, since they’re only local circulators. So they had to call Tacoma Link light rail, except… if we look at ST2 Sound Transit is funding Seattle’s First Hill streetcar.
Go figure.
G George Lee August 16, 2008
Hey, be nice! Tacoma had a street car before Seattle – we are inspirational. We just need to expand our system. Talk to your council-member!
M morgan August 18, 2008
We have an opportunity to expand the existing LINK rail this November… if we can help ST come up with a compelling vision – and fast! As it stands now, simply stating “will provide matching funds to expand LINK” doesn’t quite get us there, in my opinion.