PCC Cars Historic Class 1 Streetcars Modern Streetcars Take our Survey!
San Diego is known for...
Beautiful beaches, parks, outdoor lifestyle, great weather, and amazing scenery. But for all the environmental beauty around us, 86% of San Diegans use their car to get around. This leads to more pollution, demand for parking lots and structures, congestion, and sprawl. According to a 2004 report by Jones & Jones, over 50 acres of land is utilized for parking on Inspiration Point and Central Mesa in Balboa Park. San Diego is slowly turning its most beloved park into a parking lot.
In 1981, under the guidance of MTDB, San Diego initiated the Red Trolley Line. Years of stalls had finally culminated in the project moving forward with vision and proper implementation. Almost three decades later, San Diegans are still benefiting from the actions and competency of MTDB.
Now is the time to move forward on public transportation in a transparent, clear, concise manner that utilizes community input and education to form the future of San Diego.
There are numerous types of public transit. In San Diego, buses account for the majority of interurban neighborhood movement. Unfortunately, many people will not ride the bus, or are confused as to how and have no desire to learn. Demographic studies show that the streetcar is the most efficient way to increase ridership in public transit. Streetcars also create a pedestrian friendly atmosphere, and have the potential to be an environmentaly friendly form of transportation.
In the city, three main projects have surfaced as possible streetcar public transit models:
1) PCC Vehicle Project
2) Historic Class 1 Streetcar Project
3) Modern Streetcar(We will give an overview of each type and links. For those involved in these projects, please keep us informed with any changes having to do with your project and we will update the information.)
The PCC Car Project
Production began on the PCC (Presidents Conference Committee) vehicles in 1936. They were seen across the United States and the world. Over 5,000 were produced. The PCC car served San Diego until 1949.
Currently, a subsidiary of MTS, the San Diego Vintage Trolley Inc., is working to restore PCC cars they have bought from outside sources. The San Diego Vintage Trolley was founded in 2004. Numerous PCC cars are currently housed at the MTS yard. As the PCC cars can run on the same rail as the red trolleys, long term plans have these vehicles running the loop downtown, and then expanding to Balboa Park. A feasibility study is planned for early 2011 regarding the PCC cars and line expansion.
The Fine Print
According to estimates given by Dave Slater of SDERA, each PCC car will cost $1.3-1.8 million to restore. Currently, a group of volunteers is working to restore, through use of donations, monetary and supplies. Also, the PCC cars' ADA accessibility must be custom made per vehicle (as each is different), and the project was denied a waver to circumvent ADA accessibility requirements. The basic one ended design of the PCC car will need a turn around loop at the end of every line. Overhead lines traditionally used for powering.
Contact: MTS Chairman Harry Mathis
Website: SD Vintage Trolley
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The Historic Class 1 StreetcarsIn anticipation of the 1915 Exposition to be held at Balboa Park, JD Spreckels (owner of San Diego Electric Railway) ordered twenty-four Class 1 streetcars. They were delivered in 1912 and served San Diego until 1939. Today, only three remain, and they were designated San Diego Historic Landmark #339 in 1997. After review from restoration specialists, the Historic Class 1 Streetcars were deemed good candidates for restoration and returning to the rails. Once on their original route, they will be eligible for state and national historic designation.
The Historic Class 1 Streetcars can run on the same rail as the red trolley line. The Historic Class 1 Restoration Project aims to see the Class 1 streetcars back on the rail in San Diego, and running to Balboa Park in time for the 2015 Exposition Centennial, and then further expansion into urban neighborhoods from the original routes. North Park Main St completed a feasibility study in 2004 regarding the return of the Class 1 streetcar in North Park. This study also covers the PCC option.
The Fine Print
Class 1 Streetcars will need to be restored through a professional company. Gomaco Trolley Co. of Iowa has the parts and skill needed to accurately restore the Class 1 Streetcars with historic accountability in mind. According to estimates given by John Kallin of Gomaco, each original streetcar would take $650,000-700,000 to restore. The restoration of the three remaining, historically designated cars would take 12 months to complete. Any additional replica cars cost $750,000-800,000, and take nine months for first car completion, after which a new car is completed every 60 days. These double ended cars do not need loop at end of line. Overhead lines traditionally used for powering.
Contact: Chris Chaffee
Website: Historic San Diego Class 1 Streetcars
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Modern StreetcarThis is the modern streetcar, and regularly referred to as the "Portland Style" streetcar. Running on ultra light rail, this type of streetcar runs close to the ground, and utilizes low floor design which is easily handicap accessible. The ULR runs on its own track that is not the rail of the Red Trolley, PCC, or Class 1. The rail uses the shallow-slab technique, and does not need to be laid as deep as the traditional light rail. The Portland streetcars are manufactured by Skoda-Inekon in Plzen of the Czech Republic. They measure about 8 ft wide and 66 ft long. In 2004, each car was estimated at $2.2 million. Portland quotes about $12 million a mile. Power source possibly differs, but traditionally seen with overhead power source.
Currently, the Uptown Streetcar Task Force is looking into running a "Portland style" line from downtown to Hillcrest, utilizing 4th, 5th, or 6th St. Uptown Partnership will be pursuing the feasibility study.
Contact: Ben Nichols
Website: Light Rail Now
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