In November, the Columbus-based Downtown Streetcar Working Group released its latest update on whether to bring back streetcars to Columbus. Minus a large public outcry or some other catastrophe, downtown Columbus looks like it will have a modern streetcar system within the next decade.
This new plan has received much criticism. Fixed-rail streetcars are expensive and inflexible. The DSWG estimates its three proposed routes will cost between $128 and $154 million to construct and $5.8 to $6.4 million per year to operate. The routes are short, ranging from 1.35 to 3.6 miles, and could not be easily modified in response to future city demographics.
Columbus’ only other form of mass transit, the COTA bus system, only reinforces the idea that the city struggles at providing viable alternatives to automobile transportation. Some of these drawbacks, however, may actually make a streetcar system practicable.
One major criticism of streetcars is they require fixed rail lines that could not easily be changed. A bus can change its route at any time and more easily traverse obstacles. This can lead to problems when routes become so twisted that potential riders get confused. Numerous COTA bus routes travel through small residential roads, parking lots, and one way streets in an attempt to maximize its coverage area. This can discourage riders who may find it too difficult to try to find the right buses needed to get to their destination.
Streetcars provide the convenience that routes are usually constrained to major thoroughfares with few turns. Two out of the three proposed streetcar routes are located primarily on High Street. The routes are simplistic enough that a person with no prior experience could easily navigate the streetcar system.
In addition, fixed routes can help spur growth and development in the downtown area. The Short North, Arena District and German Village are several of the success stories related to the redevelopment of downtown Columbus. Unfortunately, these areas are outside of walking distance from each other. Because of limited parking space, driving between them is a costly, aggravating process. Construction of a streetcar would fully integrate these neighborhoods, spurring increased growth and development.
The DSWG estimated that within five years, the three proposed streetcar routes would create between $674 and $764 million of economic development within one block of the tracks. This would produce a return of approximately 500 percent, or $5 of economic growth for every dollar spent on the streetcar system. Even if only a fraction of this proves to be true, it is significant enough not to ignore.
Ohio State’s campus area, one of the most densely populated areas of the city, would especially benefit. One of the proposed routes starts at 11th Avenue and extends all the way to Frankfort Street in German Village. Passing through both the Short North and Arena District. This would allow OSU students increased mobility outside of the campus area.
Want to go watch the Blue Jackets defeat the Redwings or taste the various delicacies at the North Market? Currently, that requires the unpleasant decision of trying to find a limited and expensive parking space, guessing when and where to catch one of COTA’s buses or navigating Columbus’ unfriendly roads with a bicycle. Much of this hassle would be eliminated with the proposed streetcar routes. With OSU’s negotiating power, the University could even secure cheap fare for students in a manner similar to the existing contract with COTA.
Although there are many valid concerns with Columbus’s streetcar plan, the potential benefit for the 80,000 people that the Working Group estimates lives or works within the streetcars operating range is too large to ignore. Therefore, Columbus should move forward with its plans to bring back the streetcars.
Mike Noon is a senior in chemical engineering. He can be reached for comment at [email protected].
