Cincinnati Streetcar Development Map

Posted on January 25, 2010

The map below shows the development that has taken place along the streetcar line since 2005 (blue), the development that is currently under construction (orange), and planned development (yellow).  The Cincinnati Streetcar will help the revitalization of our urban core by:

• Creating New Development Along the Line.  Streetcars are a powerful tool of economic development.  Around the country, where ever tracks are laid development follows.  Because it is a permanent investment, the streetcar can cut down parking ratios for residences and new businesses, allowing greater density and fewer surface lots.  The parts of Over-the-Rhine and Mount Auburn along the line that are too away from the employment centers of Uptown and Downtown (which contain 54% of all jobs in the City) will be a short streetcar ride away, helping reduce blight by repopulating the vacant buildings in those neighborhoods.
• Connecting Activity Centers in the Urban Core.  The map below shows that most of the development has clustered in a few areas (Gateway, University, Riverfront) with large gaps in between.  The streetcar can help create a continuous corridor of development along the line and connect the major activity centers on the route.  Visitors and residents will be able to easily go from Short Vine to Fountain Square, the Banks to the Casino, and Findlay Market to the University.  These connections will increase the vibrancy of our city and make it safer by having more eyes on the street.
• Supporting the Investments We Have Already Made.  The streetcar will act as an insurance policy on the investments that we have already made in our urban core.  By increasing mobility options for those already living in the central city and carrying over a million potential customers a year, the streetcar will help retain the new residents and business that have moved into Downtown and Uptown in the past few years, ensuring a stable base for future development.

Support the Revitalization of Cincinnati—Build the Streetcar.

Construction Along the South End of the Line

Posted on January 23, 2010 Updated on January 22, 2010

“God, I love public transportation”

Posted on January 22, 2010 Updated on January 22, 2010

On her blog Kate’s Random Musings, Kate Crossen has this post about why she loves public transportation:

I am really hoping Cincinnati steps up its game and rolls full steam ahead with big plans for public transportation. A streetcar system could do wonders for our communities, and would likely be the first in many significant steps to improve our fair Queen City.

And someday, maybe some 30-somethings from San Francisco will come and get the chance to learn a little bit more about life in Cincinnati.

And maybe, just maybe, they won’t leave.

Read the rest here.

Dispatches from Portland

Posted on January 22, 2010

From My Cincinnati Life, Ben Wissel has this post describing his trip to Portland and their streetcar:

Even in the rainy season the streetcars seemed to be a very popular way to travel.  People of all ages rode, including parents with babies, small children, teenagers, college students, and older people.  It was particularly easy for someone in a wheelchair to board the streetcar.  A disabled rider only needed to push a button, and a small ramp extended to the sidewalk.  The whole boarding process happened very quickly and allowed those with disabilities to easily ride mass transit making them more independent.

Read the rest here.