Streetcars in the City

     In Providence, there is one public transportation option, the RIPTA buses (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority). With RIPTA I can't help but feel an air of uncertainty while waiting next to a pole with a small square on the top saying RIPTA. The schedule is confusing, and routes can change on a whim, leaving you standing with questions. RIPTA is quick, and easy (if you have experience with it) but with new users, it can seem confusing and overwhelming. In the past there have been major overhauls of RIPTA, with new schedules, new plans for Kennedy Plaza, and new routes.

     But, what if we went back to Providence's roots, and introduced a new public transportation system, streetcars. There has been some chatter about introducing streetcars into Providence, with routes bringing you to Thayer St. on the East Side, throughout Downtown, as well as Upper South Providence. With the presence of a track, the route cannot be changed, only the times, but without the risks involved with busses, times would change infrequently. Because of the small amount of stops, there would be a shelter for users of the system, making it more comfortable, and more expected to see a streetcar arriving in a short amount of time.

     Streetcars would also connect downtown in a way that hasn't been seen. With the fixed route, the storefronts directly around the route would see an influx of people. Examples of this working can be seen Portland, Oregon, with a 40% rise in density, and $3.5 billion in new development. The initiation of streetcars in Providence would immediately create many new jobs, and cause a surge in business in the downtown area, as well as anywhere the street cars go. With the revenue created through taxes, and the revitalization of businesses along the route Providence could have a chance at getting it's financial troubles under control.

With the ease an accessibility streetcars bring, it would be foolish to not pursue their presence throughout Providence and neighboring cities.