Alternative Transit

As the urban legend goes, General Motors bought up streetcars throughout the country so that they could sell buses. That is only part of the real story. Providing transit had fallen on the local governments to maintain the infrastructure and the rails for streetcars and it became more expensive than maintaining the publicly funded roadways.

Changing demographics and unbearable traffic are making streetcars or light rail have a strong come back. Light-rail and streetcar stations have proven to attract significant and sustainable development. When people define American’s most livable cities they have many things in common, costs of living, low unemployment, great opportunity for higher education and alternative transportation.

Portland has earned its reputation as one of the nation’s most livable cities due in large part to its commitment to create and support a diverse, sustainable community, with an emphasis on healthy neighborhoods, a vibrant urban core, and a strong regional economy. The city consistently ranks at the top of “quality of life” ratings, is often listed as one of the places where professional and creative classes choose to live because of the smart growth, transit and walking, and award winning urban planning and environmental stewardship. (Street Smart. Streetcars and Cities in the Twenty-First Century)

Streetcars are wonderful tools to spur economic development. Kenosha, Wisconsin, built a new streetcar system for $6 million; that system has already spurred $100 million in new development with another $50 million planned. Portland’s modern streetcar system cost $57 million; it has brought $2 billion in new development. In terms of economic growth, few infrastructure investments can offer such dramatic rates of return.

While buses usually carry only the transit dependent, rail service can appeal to riders from choice --- people who have cars and can drive, but who choose to ride transit instead. Most riders from choice represent a car removed from rush hour traffic.

The Japanese corporation, Kawasaki has introduced a more environmentally friendly rail.

According to Kawasaki Rail Cars, “SWIMO stands for ‘Smooth-WIn-Mover.’ It’s the realization of Kawasaki’s vision for a vehicle that would provide a smooth riding experience with a seamless transition to non-electrified sections, and a win-win green transportation solution via Kawasaki’s innovative rail mover technology.” (www.kawasakirailinc.com)

Like all other electric trains, the SWIMO is more energy efficient and generates fewer CO2 emissions than traditional modes of rail transportation. Running on a nickel metal-hydride battery, this allows the vehicle to self-charge in-between stops, saving on wasted energy. Additionally, the SWIMO has a three-car body, a three-boogie articulated design, a low floor design and noise level, and the unique ability to run without cables. (the wires in the photo, unfortunately are electric wires for buildings) ha