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Excerpts from Internet Articles
Why are Vintage Trolleys Being Built?
John Smatlak - Railway Preservation Resources
While each system is different, a couple of common themes have emerged. The development of a vintage trolley operation is usually driven by economic reasons, often the desire to help rejuvenate a local business economy. A trolley can be an excellent way to circulate people between local attractions (and parking areas), and at the same time, the trolley ride itself becomes part of the experience, further enhancing the attraction. Establishment of a vintage trolley system can also help attract additional investment, because the fixed nature of the trolley infrastructure implies permanence- it's something that's going to be there for a long time, a significant advantage over rubber-tired alternatives. Quiet, pollution-free electric trolleys also blend in well with the community, and their slow schedule speeds let the passengers enjoy the ride, taking in the local landscape as they travel.
History repeats itself
By William D. Middleton, Contributing Editor Railway Age
Now, the basic streetcar has re-emerged as a "new" transit mode for urban areas. More than a half dozen U.S. cities include these historic or "heritage" rail lines as a part of their transit systems, and several more have new streetcar systems under construction or in planning.
These new streetcar lines typically operate in surface streets or reserved medians, providing short-headway, frequent-stop service well suited to local transit needs in developed urban areas. Though most serve markets heavily oriented to tourism and recreational traffic, they also provide a high-visibility service that appeals to other transit users, introducing a new generation of riders to the advantages of urban rail. "People who wouldn't ride a bus will ride a streetcar," says San Francisco Municipal Railway (MUNI) General Manager Michael T. Burns.
Economic and Social Benefits of Vintage/Heritage Trolley Lines
Jim Graebner, Lomorado Group Chairman, APTA Heritage Trolley Task Force
Denotes permanence
Investing in the fixed facilities needed for an electric, rail-based trolley system conveys to potential passengers, investors, and visitors that a permanent commitment has been made to provide transportation to the area. This can have important psychological benefits that tend to make positive contributions to urban development. The following is a statement prepared by a transit advocacy group relating to the potential return of light rail to the suspended Arborway streetcar line in Boston:
"The investment in construction of a permanent way, such as a street railway, conveys a long-term commitment to provide a high quality service now and into the future. Bus options, making no such commitment, are too easily rerouted or curtailed. The presence of such permanent facilities has demonstrated tangible, positive, private sector economic and social spin off effects. Real estate values in Brookline, Milton, and Newton (MA), would be just such an example, as well as the enduring popularity that light rail has in these localities. Often overlooked is the psychological factor where public facilities are concerned. Consider how many government and private institutions conduct their business in structures made of large stone blocks, or other durable materials. This serves to reassure the general public with an appearance of stability and endurance through the ages. No doubt it would have been more cost effective to place several trailers or tin sheds in an asphalt parking lot in lieu of the current Boston City Hall and plaza, but what does it say about our civilization? A street tramway conveys these same characteristics the public want so see preserved in our public facilities. Tramways can and do function in many places as a mobile traffic calming device, making the streetscape more pedestrian friendly." - Fred R. Moore, Association for Public Transportation, Saugus, MA, June 2001
Inspires economic development
The permanent commitment demonstrated by the rails and overhead wire conveys to potential investors and residents that transportation will be available. Cities such as Portland, Memphis, and Tampa report strong developer interest along heritage lines, in some cases even before the line has opened. Both residential and commercial developments can benefit from the certainty that rail transit will be available. In Tampa, businesses have been so convinced of the benefits that heritage trolleys will provide that many have made financial contributions to the construction and/or operating costs of the line.
Provides mobility in a downtown area
People enjoy riding streetcars and can be lured from their automobiles by reliable, frequent service on heritage trolleys. Motorists are more inclined to park at the edge of a downtown area if they know they can be transported to and from the parking area by an attractive an enjoyable ride on a heritage trolley.
Attracts riders
Evidence from across North America and around the world shows that many more people will ride rail transit than buses. Anecdotal evidence of this so-called "rail effect" abounds, and the following well-researched study documents the effect over the second half of the 20th century. The results are summarized here, followed by a link to the complete study:
The Transportation Research Board Special Report No. 1221, "Impact on Transit Patronage of Cessation or Inauguration of Rail Service" dated 1989, and authored by transportation researcher Edson L. Tennsyson concluded the following: "Because transit use is a function of travel time, fare, frequency of service, population, and density, increased transit use can not be attributed to rail transit when these other factors are improved. When these service conditions are equal, it is evident that rail transit is likely to attract from 34 to 43 percent more riders than will equivalent bus service. The data do not provide explanations for this phenomenon, but other studies and reports suggest that the clearly identifiable rail route; delineated stops that are often protected; more stable, safer, and more comfortable vehicles; freedom from fumes and excessive noise; and more generous vehicle dimensions may all be factors."
Connects people with history
Using a simple, reliable form of transit from 50 or 100 years ago can bring history to life for 21st century Americans. More than viewing photographs, movies, or reading about transportation in earlier periods, actually using a heritage trolley for transportation can create a far deeper understanding of the experiences of bygone eras. If the heritage trolley line provides an opportunity for historical education as part of the riding experience--by means of photos and descriptions posted in advertising space inside the car, by brochures available for riders to take, by means of interpretive staff traveling on the car, or by special interpretive tours using museum cars--then the riding experience can reach an even more meaningful level.
Summary of Conclusions
Recently implemented vintage trolley systems are closely tied to revitalization and enhancement of commercial districts. Several additional conclusions can also be derived: The collective business communities in the cities researched give vintage trolleys high marks for being positive influences in those cities. The projects have been positive activities for both the city as a whole as well as the commercial interests directly affected.
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