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Thoughts on Streetcars

C

Chuck100

Guest
Your thoughts on streetcars

What do you think of our claim to fame in the world of public transit?

Note: Results of poll were as follows:
I think that streetcars make transportation fun 97 81.51%
I think that streetcars are just another way of getting around 22 18.49%
 
So, we keep hearing that transit can't compete with a car because it doesn't have a CD Player or a sunroof, etc etc. But, it would seem the solution is Right Friggin There: streetcars have their own benefit beyond getting people from A to B. I've heard my suburban car-culture friends say they like to go out of their way to ride on a streetcar. Is anyone listening??? Mel?
 
I love them. Almost as much as the subway (more then the SRT). Though the King and Queen streetcars can get quite packed. But ignoring that, they've got plenty of windows and are at grade to make it worth it. Sure they aren't quite as quick as the car, but I often prefer to take streetcar over car in the downtown area. IMO, 10 times better then the bus.

It'd be great to have streetcar ROWs on every route that streetcars are run. As well as the addition of new lines.
 
All they need is air conditioning and then I would have no complaint about streetcars.
 
There's only one thing that truly pisses me off when going downtown. It's when I'm forced to ride a lousy old bus on a streetcar route.
 
There's just something fun about rail. There are electric train sets - ever hear of a bus set? Of course not!
 
I've heard of model bus sets!!

I have!

Faller from Germany makes this sort of roadway systemwith electric currents underneath, and each car or bus or truck has this metal shoe affixed to thier bottom letting them glide along the roadway!

So, instead of giving your kids a model trainset for X-mas, give 'em HO scaled Model Sprawl :)
 
Re: I've heard of model bus sets!!

Sure, there are also models of trolley buses available...

And while we're on the subject, here's a picture of a Dutch trolley bus in the city of Arnhem:

trolley.jpg


Btw, I prefer Toronto's streetcars ('trams' as we call them) anytime over a bus. I love the underground loop at Spadina!
 
Re: I've heard of model bus sets!!

I remember Athens having something similar...
 
Well, I don't know that I'd call them 'fun', but I do love streetcars.

:)

Our streecars also have the smoothest ride I have ever experienced in any transit vehicle.
 
The closest street cars to me now is the lrt across the river in jersey. One of the things I am looking forward to in Toronto, are the trolleys. I especially like trolleys that go undergound or on their own right of ways down streets. I probably slightly prefer subways, but having both systems is best.Trolleys through industrial wastelands to suburban parking lots are a little less attractive to me, but better than a GO bus.
 
I love the streetcars, but they need to be remodeled, and they definitely need air conditioning. What about adopting the wheelchair-accessible streetcars that they have in Europe and in just about every other modern city?
 
We may take them for granted but visitors to Toronto love them.
 
I missed the bus.. I missed the bus..
I missed the bus.. I missed the bus..
[Verse 1]
I went to bed late but I didn't think late would EFFECT ME
Early came around then late wouldn't LET ME
Wake up - WAKE UP - so I can get dressed
I guess my body was mad 'cause I gave it no rest
And when I finally did awake it was a quarter to 8:00
Jumped in the shower and I know I was late
Stepped out put on my jeans and my uni'
And said to myself if I miss school I'm ruined
But I ran down hill and I RUSHED RUSHED
I ran down the hill TRYIN TO CATCH THE BUS
Now I'm hopin to myself everything is cool
Standin on my block like a fool
But (1) I'm all alone and (2) the bus is gone
(3) if I miss school this weekend I'll be at home
Can somebody come real fast to my rescue
I'm stuck at the crib and I don't know what to do
 
Everyone is all for the streetcars, so I am going to voice the opposite opinion here.

I think the Streetcars should be phased out, and replaced with new LRT type rail transportation (unless of course it is replaced by a subway). The current Streetcars may look "fun" or "interesting" but they fail in several areas. One of the most important issues that has been missed here -- is the issue of equal access. The streetcars have a very steep and narrow access to the vehicle -- which makes it difficult for those with disabilities (or wheelchair) to access the vehicle.

It should be replaced with a low-riding / kneeling LRT system (still using electricity).
 
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