FAQ

What is Los Angeles Streetcar Inc (LASI)?

LASI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that was formed by property owners who wanted to design, plan and operate a streetcar in Downtown L.A. Due to the large costs of streetcar development and the need to raise capital from property owners, the private sector took a strong and active leadership role in the development of a streetcar, and in return, LASI was incorporated.

What is a streetcar?

A streetcar is a public transit option that runs on rails, travels in the flow of traffic and runs off of electricity. Unlike Metro’s light-rail trains — such as the Blue, Gold, and Green lines — a streetcar is only one car long and runs in the flow of traffic. A streetcar can, however, be bi- or tri-articulated to accommodate sharp turns. Unlike regional light-rail systems, streetcars typically act as local connectors, circulators, or connect two specific points in a transportation network (for example, train and railway stations).

What is the difference between a vintage and modern streetcar?

Vintage streetcars are used throughout the world to accomplish specialized transformation tasks, with California having two major examples in San Francisco and San Pedro. Modern streetcar systems, such as those in Portland or Seattle, use distinctly modern rail vehicles that can accommodate larger passenger loads, are safer, and enable faster entrance/exit. In addition, the modern streetcar is visually more streamlined and designed for comfort and accessibility.

How does a streetcar work?

Much like light-rail, streetcars work on electricity that is supplied by over-head wiring, called a catenary wire. This electricity is then fed from the catenary to the streetcar’s traction motors at each of the wheelsets.  These motors turn the wheels giving the streetcar its propulsion. A single motorperson operates the streetcar and handles the propulsion, breaking, doors, and safe operation of the streetcar.

Isn’t the overhead wire ugly?

The wiring is a concern, but with successful streetcar systems wiring is not eye catching nor degrading to the urban environment. Catenary wire can often be attached to poles that are already installed to supply pedestrian lighting. Alternatively, decorative poles can be installed to ensure an “industrial feel” does not develop, while also adding to an area’s sense of place.

Why use a streetcar instead of a bus?

Their are several advantages to a streetcar over a bus:

• Streetcars run on electricity instead of a combustion engine and are virtually silent.  This effectively eliminates the pollutants and noise caused by buses, especially along heavily serviced bus routes.
• Sidewalks are specifically integrated with a streetcar’s profile to enable highly accessible access for bicycles, strollers, and disabled patrons. This allows for a roll-on-roll-off functionality that is especially safe and convenient for all passengers.
• A fixed route gives visitors, residents, and business owners of Downtown L.A. a highly reliable transit option that has an established, timely, and accurate schedule. This level of reliability ensures riders will consider the streetcar for all their downtown trips, and in turn, can increase regional transit ridership.

How is a streetcar line constructed?

Since streetcars are much lighter than a light-rail vehicle, the need for heavy construction is limited. The lines of the streetcar are installed into the road surface and only the pavement and concrete around the area needs to be replaced. The installation of Portland’s streetcar railway was very efficient, and took only one week to construct a standard city block worth of track.

How long would the streetcar construction disrupt traffic and businesses?

Streetcars can be constructed relatively quickly provided utilities do not need to be moved.  The general rule of thumb is that it takes one week to construct a standard city block of streetcar tracks (LA’s blocks are longer than average so the time will be slightly extended per block).  During construction only part of the road needs to be closed off and as they finish each block the road will be reopened and construction will move on to the next block.  Impact on businesses should be minimal and the long-term benefits of increased visibility and development will hopefully offset the interruptions to local businesses.

How will we pay for it?

Following the trends of other streetcar projects in Portland and Seattle, a public-private partnership will be created to raise the majority of the funds from several stakeholders. In Portland, the private sector funded about 30 or 40% of the initial line; in Seattle, about 50% was privately funded. Funding sources for the Downtown L.A. streetcar will be sought through local, state, and federal government funding options, but it is recognized that a significant amount of financing will have to be raised from private sources.

Where will the streetcar run?

Based on public input over several years, Downtown communities and districts desire a streetcar to run up or down Broadway as the spine of a 3 to 3.5 mile route.  The route will connect destinations downtown, such as LA Live and the Convention Center on one end, and the Music Center and Grand Avenue on the other. The precise route is still being determined, and will be thoroughly discussed during upcoming public meetings, alternatives analysis, and environmental reviews.