Washington, DC's first modern streetcar is now under construction. This is the first modern streetcar line east of the Western Time Zone.  It's going to run a rather odd route, feeding an existing metro subway station:

 

 

Track laying:

 

Here is one of their streetcars being tested over outside the factory in the Czech Republic:

<img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j231/jmecklenborg/streetcar-2-5.jpg">

 

<img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j231/jmecklenborg/streetcar-1-6.jpg">

 

Here's a link to a Washington Times article:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/19/AR2009091902291.html

 

Getting back to the UC student discussion..I am a UC student living in Fairview just south of campus and although a streetcar wouldn't necessarily benefit me on a day to day basis it would be amazing to use it to ride downtown to hit reds games, findlay market, and all the new things popping up in OTR, especially the bars. I also know people that co-op downtown that live in the area and take the bus every day. As for the UC shuttle..it is free for students and very convenient if you catch it at a non-peak time (a couple loops before everyone is heading to the next hourly class starting time). The shuttles are usually full and getting on one is hit or miss depending on when you want to catch it. I may just start a thread about the UC shuttle system...

 

<img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j231/jmecklenborg/streetcar-1-6.jpg">

 

 

I love the paint job on that streetcar. Imagine here in Cincinnati, a bright red streetcar like that with a big white "C" Reds logo painted on it. Or an orange one with black stripes painted on it for the Bengals.

All, please note that the City of Cincinnati is seeking funding through ODOT's Transportation Review Advisory Council. For the complete list of projects (including Eastern Corridor, 3C "Quick Start" and Cincinnati Union Terminal), see...

 

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/news/Pages/StatereceivesApplicationsforFutureTransportationProjects.aspx

 

 

DISTRICT 8

 

Cincinnati Streetcar – Phase 1

Project Sponsor: City of Cincinnati

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/trac/Submitted%20Applications/2009D08-01.pdf

I love the paint job on that streetcar. Imagine here in Cincinnati, a bright red streetcar like that with a big white "C" Reds logo painted on it. Or an orange one with black stripes painted on it for the Bengals.

 

...UC, XU, Cyclones,etc...  I'd love that too, but they'll probably be wrapped with advertising...

I'm convinced that the success of the modern streetcar in Portland has a lot to do with the very specific design of these exact units. I've seen other new European trams in action, but I think these are the "friendliest" and least pretentious of the designs out there.  I don't think the real character of these units comes across well in photographs, which is part of why the modern streetcar is a tough sell to those who haven't seen one in real life. 

 

Also, they're almost totally silent.  They don't idle at stops, obviously, and at speed they have just a "ssssss" sound that's kind of like an electric golf cart. Light rail trains are somewhat louder because of their heavier weight and more powerful motors, but not usually too bad.     

 

Hello!?!?.... funding application! Big news!

Now would be a great time to be awarded stimulus money.  It would be a great motivation to vote against Issue 9.

It is exciting to see pictures of what kind of vehicles would be used in cincinnati...they would definitely give cincinnati that "big city" feel for sure.

Now would be a great time to be awarded stimulus money. It would be a great motivation to vote against Issue 9.

 

The stimulus money is hinging right now on Issue 9. If it passes (meaning, yes on 9), then that money is diverted elsewhere. If it fails (meaning, no on 9), then it has a (very) good chance of being awarded.

Now would be a great time to be awarded stimulus money. It would be a great motivation to vote against Issue 9.

 

The stimulus money is hinging right now on Issue 9. If it passes (meaning, yes on 9), then that money is diverted elsewhere. If it fails (meaning, no on 9), then it has a (very) good chance of being awarded.

 

I understand, I just think that it would help our cause if we could actually say, "Cincinnati has been awarded stimulus money.  If issue 9 passes, the state isn't going to wait on us, and they're going to divert it to another city."

Or the city could make sure it spends the money before Election Day. :)

Does the engineering firm sell gift certificates?

 

"Valid for construction of 1 Cincinnati Streetcar system"

Help spread this:

 

"What else you're rejecting."

http://caast-usa.blogspot.com/2009/10/20-more-days-to-vote-no-on-issue-9.html

Where does Jim Tarbell stand on issue 9?

Check this out!

 

I drove around today and saw a few No on 9 signs, and just as many Yes on 9 signs. The thing that got me was the "yes" signs also said "stop the streetcar". We all know this is deceptive. I'm going to write letters to the enquirer and I suggest everyone on the board try to do the same between now and November.

I have seen a few "No on 9" popping up around Uptown.  No "Yes on 9" though.

I'm going to write letters to the enquirer and I suggest everyone on the board try to do the same between now and November.

 

good idea

A city as nice and vibrant as cincy should get this. It's too big of a metro not to. Even Buffalo has light rail, which makes Cincy look worse. The two growing cities and metro's in Ohio have no light rail, which makes no sense.

 

I don't know about Cincy's subway that wasn't used, but could it be used again or have the tunnels collapsed in certain areas or something else making it less cost efficient?

 

I don't know about Cincy's subway that wasn't used, but could it be used again or have the tunnels collapsed in certain areas or something else making it less cost efficient?

 

A considerable length of it is used for water main pipes I believe which adds a huge price to a transition

 

I don't know about Cincy's subway that wasn't used, but could it be used again or have the tunnels collapsed in certain areas or something else making it less cost efficient?

 

A considerable length of it is used for water main pipes I believe which adds a huge price to a transition

 

Other than the water main and fiber optic lines running through the tunnel, which would have to be relocated, the tunnel is in great condition and could be used for modern light rail (or potentially heavy rail?) vehicles.

 

I don't know about Cincy's subway that wasn't used, but could it be used again or have the tunnels collapsed in certain areas or something else making it less cost efficient?

 

 

A considerable length of it is used for water main pipes I believe which adds a huge price to a transition

 

Not really. When we rebuilt FWW, we put in a new line to serve downtown. So when the 36" main in the subway tunnels has to go away, it can.

I haven't seen ANY issue 9 signs anywhere on the westside yet.  Yes or No.

Just the one in my yard.

Posterboard and black sharpie doesn't count Dan!  :wink:      3 and half weeks out.  This vote is creeping up fast!

darn!

On an interesting note, I heard from Leslie Ghiz in person the other day.  She recently came out against the streetcar project, but reiterated that she thinks it's a good idea, just doesn't agree with the timing.  She wants to see it done, just not now.  She stated that she believes the effect it will have locally will be stronger when the global economy is in better shape.

 

She was loud and clear about one thing though; as much as she's against the streetcar going in any time soon, she was against issue 9.  She said something along the lines of.. if you're against the streetcar vote for more people like (Ghiz) that won't let it get done.  Don't go changing the way the entire government works.  She was very clear about how dumb she thought issue 9 was, and I was glad to hear it!  The streetcar is one of the only issues I find myself disagreeing with her on.

I haven't seen ANY issue 9 signs anywhere on the westside yet.   Yes or No.

 

Are they even out yet?  I signed up very early to get signs, and I still haven't heard back.

The clock's ticking.... Make your own signs.

>So when the 36" main in the subway tunnels has to go away, it can.

 

The main is bigger than that, about 50", and it's scheduled to be removed sometime in the upcoming decade. There is an escape clause in the contract written between the Waterworks and the City that forces the Waterworks to remove the main at their expense if the tunnels are ever used for "rapid transit".  Problem is, light rail can be argued to not be "rapid transit", especially if there are grade crossings or any in-street running.  However, it looks like that will be a non-issue since the main will be shut down permanently soon. 

 

Second, I've been seeing way more No on 9 signs that pro-9 signs. The only pro-9 sign I've seen is in the landscaped median of Gilbert Ave. at Peebles Corner, ironically in the exact spot where streetcar tracks used to run and a major streetcar transfer point. 

   

I haven't seen ANY issue 9 signs anywhere on the westside yet.  Yes or No.

 

Are they even out yet?  I signed up very early to get signs, and I still haven't heard back.

 

I believe yard signs were distributed this past weekend.  Not 100% sure, but if you haven't gotten yours yet just give someone from CFP a call or shoot them an email.  There is also the last fundraiser of the campaign happening tomorrow evening at Mecklenburg Gardens.  Read about it here: http://www.urbancincy.com/2009/10/cincinnatians-for-progress-fundraiser.html.

I just want to verify, Issue 9 is only a City issue, its not on the County-Wide ballot?

I just want to verify, Issue 9 is only a City issue, its not on the County-Wide ballot?

 

Is is a city-only ballot issue.

Thanks, sometimes I miss the obvious

For those looking for signs--I made regular stops at 1344 Vine over the weekend (Trinity Flats block) where you can grab a  bunch of signs and stickers.  I just keep a few in back of the car and plop them down wherever looks good.  I put some up around North Avondale, Mt. Adams and on Gilbert yesterday.  On Saturday I left a few in the foyer at Grammer's for anyone to grab as well. 

 

I saw 2 "Yes" signs, the aforementioned one at Peebles Corner, and one on a trashy lot at McMillan and Highland, across from Taco Bell.

Streetcar Coloring Contest, open to kids of all ages (adults can't win prizes though)

http://cincystreetcar.wordpress.com/2009/10/12/cincinnati-streetcar-coloring-contest/

On Victory Parkway in East Walnut Hills next to the Taft intersection there are two "vote yes on issue 9 - No for the streetcar" signs in from of an apartment complex. 

 

I did see a couple vote no on issue 9 signs on Victory closer to Eden park.  Those are the only signs I've seen on the issue.  I imagine Smitherman is going to hit up the Avondale/North Avondale area pretty hard since he's got a good base there (Or used to)

Does anyone know what the chances of Prop 9 actually passing are? Is it supposed to be lopsided in anyone direction, pretty close, or has there not been any polling?

Portland Streetcar

 

 

Also be sure to check out the great feature article in Soapbox this week about what Cincinnati could learn from Portland's transport system - http://www.soapboxmedia.com/features/1013portlandstreetcar.aspx.

From Urbancincy

http://www.urbancincy.com/2009/10/important-question-for-cincinnati.html

I'm so tired of hearing about Portland's transportation system.  We need to figure out what's best for Cincinnati and the Midwest.

I'm so tired of constantly having to come up with different places to use as case studies (Portland, Seattle, Charlotte, Tampa...).  The fact is that they have the exact same system as what's being proposed here so it's helpful to look at how they operate their system successfully if we're going to implement the same system here.

 

You want to come up with a system that works for you - modern streetcars - and then look at who does it well and learn from them.  It's not saying we should copy what they do, but rather learn from them.  There is a difference.

Cincy needs something unique. What happen to the people mover that used single cars(small) above ground? Skytram?

Cincinnati needs a diversified and well-operated transportation network.  Part of that network needs to be a passenger rail system.  We don't need to do something gimmicky to draw attention to ourselves...we need a system that is clean, efficient and reliable.  Modern streetcars fulfill all of that and will get Cincinnati on the path towards having that diversified and well-operated transportation network that any metropolitan region as large as our own should have.

I'm so tired of constantly having to come up with different places to use as case studies (Portland, Seattle, Charlotte, Tampa...).

 

If you truly believe in something, it shouldn't be so hard to continue to explain why we are like other cities.

Cincy needs something unique. What happen to the people mover that used single cars(small) above ground? Skytram?

 

I think they ended up building it at an airport somewhere.  One of the problems with it was that it was a proprietary system.

>it shouldn't be so hard to continue to explain why we are like other cities.

 

Right, since you can explain to people that The Grand Canyon is really big, there's no value in actually going and seeing it for yourself.  Right, since there's a new car on the market getting great reviews, there's no need to test drive it. Just one-click order it from Amazon. 

 

 

 

Why doesn't anyone ever say "well just because highways worked in Omaha that doesn't mean they are going to work here?"

The comparison to Portland isn't a helpful one at this point, in my opinion.  A whole lot of people have a negative view of the West Coast in general, and telling them that the streetcar will make us more like Portland is just giving them another reason to be against it.  I haven't been to Portland, and I don't really have any interest in going.  I still think we need a transit system, though, and from a design and engineering standpoint there are some things in Portland that can be (and have been) used as precedent - I just don't like the Portland propaganda that's always being spread around.  That could just be a personal preference, though.

 

Sometimes I worry that there's going to be a move to rename Cincinnati to "New Portland."

Only Seattle has a post WWII growth rate that significantly exceeds Cincinnati's.  Your other three examples don't support the boom-town idea. Charlotte, despite its growth, still has a quarter fewer (500,000 fewer) people than Cincinnati.  Tampa's streetcar is a tourist gimmick aimed at the attraction of tourist-related stuff, not traditional businesses or apartments.  Portland is the exact same size as Cincinnati, and more closely resembles Cincinnati than any other American city aside from perhaps Pittsburgh. 

 

Cincinnati and Las Vegas are apples and oranges, not Cincinnati and Portland.