Just picture it…

Downtown Sacramento and West Sacramento bustling with retail shops and restaurants. High-rise condominiums and offices. The hot spot for sports-fans, lunchtime travelers and tourists on-the-go.

All that from a streetcar?

It's possible. And now we’re one step closer.

West Sacramento and Sacramento’s City Councils, along with Sacramento Regional Transit and Yolo County Transportation’s Boards, have unanimously approved the Streetcar Feasibility Study. Additionally, all electeds have provided the go-ahead to the Phase II scope of work, which includes environmental analysis of the preferred alignment and concentrated, focused community involvement.

	The Tacoma, Washington streetcar system served two million riders in 2006, just two years after opening.

Project Description

The Cities of West Sacramento and Sacramento, Yolo County Transportation District and Sacramento Regional Transit worked together to successfully complete the Downtown/Riverfront Streetcar Feasibility Study. The Study determined that a streetcar IS a feasible option for this region. With many redevelopment projects in the planning and construction phases, and with more exciting community destinations in the downtowns of Sacramento and West Sacramento, determining that a streetcar system is a viable option to bridge and connect this community is critical.

The Study evaluated factors to help determine whether a streetcar system is technically and economically viable for our community, including the following:

• Identified possible streetcar routes and key destinations
• Analyzed potential ridership, development impacts, traffic, parking, and utilities
• Outlined cost estimates, financing options, and how to build, operate and manage the system
• Recommended further design and engineering if the project is deemed feasible

Now that the streetcar has been deemed feasible, and all appropriate elected bodies have approved the study, the project team is moving into Phase II, which includes a detailed environmental analysis and additional community involvement.

Public Participation Fuels Streetcar Discussion

Scoping Meetings were held September 12 and 13 to introduce the streetcar concept to the public and to solicit public input as we prepare to produce an analysis of the impact of streetcars.

We heard a variety of comments ranging from where stops should be located to which cars provide the best access for all riders.  People wanted to know how the Streetcar fit with existing transportation systems like buses and light rail.

Analysts who are studying the alternatives will consider this input as they develop an environmental impact report scheduled for completion in Spring 2008.  Once the report is available, the public will again be invited to provide additional comment on Streetcar.

Meanwhile, feel free to add your comments via our webpage.

The concept of Streetcar, like the cars themselves, brings us full circle.  The Streetcar is designed to generate activity within the heart of a community and extend the energy outward to outlying areas served by transit.

Thank you for your continued interest in Streetcar.  Sometimes the answers to concerns of the present can be found in the past.

Streetcar is Generating Interest

Recently, the Sacramento Bee and the Sacramento Business Journal featured articles about the impact of Streetcars.

Download Sacramento Bee Article

Download Sacramento Business Journal Article