Modern Streetcar
About the modern streetcar project
As Fort Worth continues to grow, transportation and economic development needs to grow and evolve. A modern streetcar would effectively and conveniently serve Fort Worth residents and visitors as they travel through the city.
This mode of transportation could open the door to a contemporary, urbanized Fort Worth, connecting neighborhoods and business corridors, promoting economic development in key areas and creating high-density and mixed-used development in the heart of the city.
Why a modern streetcar system
A modern streetcar system could serve key population centers and destinations. The streetcar would promote economic development and high-density, mixed-use projects while providing an alternate form of transportation.
The 17th largest city in the nation, Fort Worth has a population estimated at 736,200. The City, in partnership with the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T) and the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), has proposed the modern streetcar as a possible solution to meet the demands and needs of a growing population and an expanding regional economy. Cities that have implemented a modern streetcar system have experienced positive impacts with economic development, livability and quality of life.
The modern streetcar system would be designed to connect neighborhoods and business corridors; promote economic development in key areas; and promote the creation of high-density and mixed-use development in the heart of Fort Worth.
News
This Month
History of the modern streetcar project
In the spring of 2008, Mayor Mike Moncrief, along with the Fort Worth City Council, appointed a number of Fort Worth residents to serve on a Modern Streetcar Committee.
The study committee was tasked with identifying a starter alignment, outlining potential funding sources, developing a preliminary funding strategy and determining the next steps for implementation. As part of their work, the study committee joined the mayor, members of City Council and The T Board and other key stakeholders in learning from local experts while visiting modern streetcar systems in Portland, Ore., Seattle and Tacoma, Wash.
The committee presented the mayor and City Council with the results of the study and recommendations in December 2008. The report favored the development of a modern streetcar project. In 2009, the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) allocated $1.6 million for design and planning. The City of Fort Worth and The T each allocated $200,000 for this effort.
The Fort Worth City Council voted to move forward with Phases 1 and 2 of the planning project. Phase 1 consists of alignment evaluation and definition, economic development analysis, and ridership and cost estimates. Phase 2 is a detailed business plan, including financial and organizational structures.
Downloads
View the Urban Circulation grant application and attachment.
Planning and Design
Steps that will take place during the planning and design phase include alignment selection, development of design and operation assumptions, economic development impact analysis, estimates for ridership, initial capital, and operating cost, business plan and phasing recommendation.
Technical Memos (drafts)
- Design Assumptions
- Traction Power Supply and Distribution
- Alignment Refinement
- Vehicle Technical Requirements
- Development Impacts and Comparison of Alternative Alignments Based on Economic Factors
- Planning Cost Estimate
- Operations and Maintenance Cost Estimate
- Ridership Estimate
- Business Plan: Financing and Implementation of Phase 1 Project
- Synopsis Report: Modern Streetcar Planning and Design Phases 1 and 2
Resolutions
Presentations
- Pre-Council Presentation: Nov. 16, 2010
- Public Meeting Presentation: Aug. 9, 2010
- Public Meeting Presentation: Sept. 30, 2010
- Public Meeting Presentation: Oct. 27, 2010
- HDR Presentation on recommended alignments for first phase of Fort Worth's modern streetcar: Video | PDF
Project timeline
- May 2010 Project kickoff
- June 2010 Project web pages live
- June 2010 Alignment refinement and operational assumptions
- August 2010 Ridership forecasts
- August 2010 Citywide community meeting
- September 2010 Phasing recommendation
- September 2010 Citywide community meeting
- November 2010 Business plan presentation
- November 2010 Citywide community meeting
Project partners
- City of Fort Worth: David Gaspers, Project Manager
- Fort Worth Transportation Authority: Carl Weckenmann, Project Manager
- Nort Central Texas Council of Governments: Tom Shelton, Project Manager
- HDR Engineering: Charles Hales, Project Manager
Community
Stakeholder information coming soon.
Public Participation
For public participation information, contact:
Have a Voice. Play a Role.
The modern streetcar project is in its planning and development phase. The aim is to keep the community informed and engaged throughout this initiative. Stay informed about the modern streetcar project and help guide its development by signing up for e-mail updates.