Questions & Answers
What is a trolley?
The trolley, also called a streetcar, operates along a fixed rail guideway
in the roadway. While trolleys cannot deviate from the path of the guideway,
the operator of the trolley "drives" the vehicle, accelerating and braking
to move along with traffic which usually operates in the same lane.
How much will the construction of the line cost and who will
pay for it?
Preliminary estimates indicate it will cost between $48 million and
$57 million to construct the tracks, build maintenance and operations
facility, and buy the vehicles. It will cost a little over $4 million
to operate each year. Operating costs assume the trolley will operate
every 10 minutes from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. A plan is also being developed
to identify potential funding sources to pay these costs. In other cities,
a variety of funding sources have been used. The Loop Trolley Company
will carefully consider all of these options.
How does the trolley fit within our regional transportation
system?
The trolley will play an important part in the region's public transportation
infrastructure and economic growth. The first phase, proposed to operate
on Delmar and DeBaliviere, will serve two MetroLink stations, making
it easy for passengers to access destinations throughout the region
without using a car. This will ease traffic congestion and reduce pain
at the gas pump!
Will the trolley operate in the middle of the street or along
the curb?
There are two options being considered at various locations along the
route: center- lane operation and curb-side operation. In each case,
only a few parking spaces would need to be eliminated. This would be
more than offset by those who decide to take the trolley to The Loop
or History Museum rather than drive.
Will the trolley increase traffic congestion on Delmar and
DeBaliviere?
No. Experience in other cities shows that the trolley moves along traffic
as quickly as cars and trucks do, and actually eases traffic congestion
by eliminating the need to drive.
Will the trolleys be accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires the service be accessible
to everyone. The Loop Trolley study team is evaluating the use of in-vehicle
lifts versus curbside ramps for those that require special accommodations
to board the trolley cars.
How frequently will the trolley operate? What will be the hours
of operation?
Preliminary ridership and cost estimates are based on service running
every 10 minutes from 7 a.m. - 1 a.m. daily.
Why is a trolley being built in this location?
The Delmar Loop was designated "One of the 10 Great Streets in
America" by the American Planning Associatin and will provide a
great location for the first trolley to return to the St. Louis region.
It will connect students, neighborhoods, employees and tourists with
many destinations along the route. Future extensions are envisioned,
with locations to be determined by community input and experience with
this first phase.
Is St. Louis the only city considering a trolley system?
Trolleys and streetcars are operating successfully in Portland, OR,
Tacoma, Tampa, Little Rock and other cities. Planning for many more
systems is underway in Washington, DC, Seattle, Winston-Salem, Cincinnati
and Columbus, among other cities.
How have trolley systems spurred economic development in other
cities?
The permanence of trolley and streetcar investments has been shown to
attract new development and promote greater density along their routes.
This leads to more commercial and retail activity, as well as neighborhood
vitality, within three blocks of the trolley route. People are more
willing to locate along the trolley, and in turn rents, ownership and
property values tend to increase accordingly. Portland, Oregon: Opened
in 2001, the streetcar has triggered more than $2 billion in new development,
including more than 8,000 new housing units. The Pearl District, located
along the streetcar route within a designated redevelopment area, is
considered one of the nation's most successful new urban residential
and retail neighborhoods. Tampa, Florida: Stimulated more than $600
million in public projects and $800 million in private investment since
opening in 2002. The trolley has prompted conversion of warehouses to
lofts and development of new mixed-use projects, including high-rise
residential towers.
Who supports the effort to restore trolley service?
In addition to The Loop Trolley Company, East-West Gateway Council of
Governments and Citizens for Modern Transit, this effort has received
support from our congressional delegation, University City, the City
of St. Louis, the Missouri Historical Society, along with The Loop Business
District and numerous neighborhood groups.
When will the trolley be built and operating?
The study will be completed by the end of this year. Once funding is
secure, the project will move into final design, followed by construction.