Dallas is considering a plan to reconnect its streetcar systems, reminiscent of the 1920s and ’30s when streetcars were a common mode of transportation in the Central Business District. The proposed Central Link project aims to join the existing Bishop Arts and M-Line Trolley routes by establishing streetcar infrastructure throughout downtown.
Investing in transportation is crucial for economic development and the well-being of future generations. This project is a positive step forward as downtown Dallas transitions from a business-oriented area to a thriving residential community.
When DART removed the downtown subway project, known as D2, from its long-term financial plan, we supported the decision. D2 primarily focused on improving commuting between the suburbs and downtown Dallas. However, as the Central Business District evolves, we must consider transportation needs holistically, beyond just work commutes. Expanding the streetcar system can help address the transportation requirements of different neighborhoods.
The limited route of the Bishop Arts streetcar has resulted in low ridership. In April, May, and June of this year, the combined ridership of the M-Line Trolley and Bishop Arts streetcar was approximately 144,900. Expanding the Central Link is crucial to unlock the full potential of the streetcar system in terms of economic development and ridership. It will also play a vital role in extending the system to West Dallas and further south into Oak Cliff.
The development of the Central Link is still in its early stages, but during a briefing to the City Council on Wednesday, the director of the city’s transportation department and a representative from Downtown Dallas Inc. expressed their intention to finance the capital construction, which is estimated to be nearly $104 million, through Federal Transit Administration grants.
Before commencing any construction, the city staff aims to establish a sustainable plan to cover the costs of operations and maintenance, which are projected to be around $7 million per year. To achieve this, they plan to enlist the expertise of a consultant to assess various funding strategies. Additionally, they will examine the funding models of other streetcar systems across the country, such as the Kansas City Streetcar, which operates within a Transportation Development District and sustains its operations through a combination of sales tax, property assessments, and parking lot assessments.
As our region continues to expand, it is imperative to have transportation alternatives beyond single-occupant vehicles. The Central Link project has the potential to play a pivotal role in establishing a robust streetcar system that can cater to new areas and transportation demands that cannot be met by buses and light rail.
The development of the Central Link is still in its early stages, but during a briefing to the City Council on Wednesday, the director of the city’s transportation department and a representative from Downtown Dallas Inc. expressed their intention to finance the capital construction, which is estimated to be nearly $104 million, through Federal Transit Administration grants.
Before commencing any construction, the city staff aims to establish a sustainable plan to cover the costs of operations and maintenance, which are projected to be around $7 million per year. To achieve this, they plan to enlist the expertise of a consultant to assess various funding strategies. Additionally, they will examine the funding models of other streetcar systems across the country, such as the Kansas City Streetcar, which operates within a Transportation Development District and sustains its operations through a combination of sales tax, property assessments, and parking lot assessments.
As our region continues to expand, it is imperative to have transportation alternatives beyond single-occupant vehicles. The Central Link project has the potential to play a pivotal role in establishing a robust streetcar system that can cater to new areas and transportation demands that cannot be met by buses and light rail.
SOURCE: DART
