Frankly MARTA, I don’t Give a Tram

So let me guess: it’s gonna run in a circle, right?  A July 2011 press release from FTA gives a succinct overview of what are some ill-conceived notions about streetcar in America.  The document is the public go-ahead to build a streetcar system for Atlanta with a $47.6 million TIGER II grant awarded in October 2010.  “The electric streetcar will run 2.6 miles through the heart of Atlanta’s...

Streetcar Maiden, USA

Portland's first streetcars made in USA. Courtesy United Streetcar Skoda is a legendary firm dating from 1859 that has made weapons, brewing equipment, bridge parts, airplanes, and automobiles (now a separate division owned by Volkswagen).  Today the Czech company makes steam turbines and condensers, but the few Americans who are aware of Skoda probably know the company because of its transit...

Streetcar Timeline

  From horse-drawn to recent hurricanes, here is the short history of the streetcar. Click to enlarge.