For the love of trams
North American cities need to invest in tramways. OK, if you’re a western North American you probably call them streetcars, but “tram” is shorter.
Why trams matter
Trams routes are permanent and obvious. Tramways demonstrate commitment to a route and are immediately visible to someone new to an area. (Bus stops often get no more than a faded sign post that you miss if you walk up on the wrong corner.)
Trams are electric. The installation of overhead electric for trams is an additional cost, but trams are 3x more energy-efficient than buses. Because they’re electric, they’re quiet, do not produce smelly exhaust, and therefore …
Trams are more pleasant for riders and non-riders. In addition to being quiet and non-smelly, rails provide a smoother ride than a bus on asphalt or concrete.
Trams attract more riders, and a greater diversity of riders, than buses. In other words, all kinds of people enjoy riding trams. When non-poor people like it, it’s more likely to enjoy long-term funding and support.
Trams hold more passengers and have a longer lifespan. This makes them a better value despite the higher initial cost.
Trams can be attached in a train. This allows us to increase capacity on a route without increasing labor cost.
Tramways can double as beautiful green spaces. In regions where grass is abundant and does not need to be watered, grassy tramways provide several benefits. They’re visually appealing and relaxing, they reduce the high temperatures caused by widespread use of concrete and asphalt surfaces, and provide permeable surface for stormwater.
Objections to trams
Wouldn’t bus rapid transit (BRT) accomplish the same thing as trams? Some cities choose BRT over trams (for example, El Paso’s downtown streetcars are more of a ride than transit. Their Brio BRT service is the workhorse.) But BRT isn’t electric, fume-free, or quiet.
What about trackless trams? These are meant to provide most of the benefits of trams without the downsides. They look and ride like trams, are battery-powered so they aren’t noisy or smelly, and follow a painted track using GPS and LIDAR. Personally, I think the batteries are a huge downside to trackless trams.
Tramways are too expensive to build. And the US is absolutely terrible when it comes to transit projects that cost too much. A lot of that comes down to red tape, bureaucracy, and lack of community will to get things done quickly and efficiently. Everyone wants their piece of the pie and to be shown respect. I think the power and bureaucracy side of this is the hardest to crack.
Trams need special infrastructure for stops. Not really. Depending on the installation type, trams can accommodate entering from the street or sidewalk.