CHAPTER I - INTRODUCTION Purpose This report contains the results of a study undertaken by the Lomarado Group on behalf of the Community Electric Trolley Association, of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, to assess the feasibility of constructing and operating a vintage streetcar line in that city. The study examines the appropriateness and historical context of a rail-based streetcar system designed to provide a transit alternative to the 1.5 million annual visitors to Eureka Springs, as well as local residents. It provides information on similar undertakings, both in operation and planned, in other localities. It analyzes the problems and opportunities of installing the system along an alignment where streetcars once operated. It develops capital and operating cost estimates and suggests funding sources. Finally, it recommends actions which should be undertaken to move the project forward. Project Goals To provide information on comparable operating and planned vintage streetcar systems in cities throughout the United States. To suggest a specific route and alignment for a vintage streetcar system in Eureka Springs. To evaluate various vehicle technologies and recommend a suitable vehicle. To develop a range of operating scenarios. To provide rough order of magnitude capital costs for the system. To provide estimates of annual operating costs for various operating scenarios. To provide information on available funding sources. To provide an outline of steps by which the project could be implemented. Key Project Issues The most significant technical issue for the proposed streetcar system is that of fitting a suitable alignment into Spring Street. Although this street was used for the former streetcar line of the Citizens Electric Railway, the traffic conditions of today are far more severe than those experienced at that time. Clearly, the street cannot be significantly widened, and its 28' typical width precludes easily adding a bi-directional streetcar track. The proposed alignment will require adjustments in traffic flow and/or parking availability. Thus, it is important that the issue be thoroughly aired and a workable concensus reached by the community. A second key issue is that of funding. Many vintage trolley systems are in cities where the population and tax base are of a size that raising local funds to match State and Federal dollars is fairly straightforward. The local population of Eureka Springs is clearly not of this magnitude. This calls for very creative financing, and may require a larger than usual Federal and State role. This expanded role may be justified, however, when the purpose of the system is considered. Although it is expected that local residents will use the line, the vast majority of ridership will come from the base of 1.5 million or more annual visitors. In serving this market, the streetcar is intended to preserve the irreplaceable character of the Historic District, by reducing auto traffic and associated negative environmental impacts. This goal puts the project within the overall eligibility gudelines for Federal transit assistance under recently-enacted legislation. In addition, the undeniable value of the Historic District as a visitor venue, and the desire to preserve it, is consistant with other Federal programs which are developing non-auto transportation projects to preserve and enhance the attractiveness of National Parks and other valuable national resources.

Index | Executive Summary | Map of Proposed System | Introduction | Setting | Historic Precedent

Vintage Streetcars in Other Cities | Alignment Assessment | Vehicles | Operations | Capital Cost Estimate

Operating Costs | Funding | Implementation | About The Lomarado Group | Submit a Comment

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