Public meetings are
underway to determine the feasibility of building a historic streetcar
system in Tacoma. There is strong support from elected officials and the
business community to at least investigate the idea and determine if people
would ride the trolleys and whether they would help generate redevelopment.
“We’re going to try and look at this with broad brush strokes,” Steve
Shanafelt, Tacoma Public Works engineering division manager, told the Tacoma
Daily Index. “It’s our job to give city council as many informed options as
possible.” The council last June unanimously approved a resolution
instructing city staff to work with regional transit officials on the
streetcar proposal. An advisory committee, including both professionals and
citizen members, was formed and is now chaired by Shanafelt. Tacoma
Streetcar, a volunteer group of enthusiasts and other rail transit
supporters, has suggested a three-line network:
Blue Line, a
6.1-mi. (9.8 km) loop serving the Sixth Avenue, Stadium and Proctor
districts
Yellow Line, a
4.6-mi. (7.4 km) loop on Tacoma and Hilltop avenues
Green Line, a
4.7-mi. (7.6 km) line through the Lincoln District and the Tacoma Mall to
South Tacoma Way.
An eight-mile (12.9
km) fourth line to the Westgate area could be added later. The advisory
committee is expected to present its findings to the city council next
spring.
