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One feature of rail transit which has proven to be very
popular with the public is the operation of historic vehicles on
conventional light rail tracks. This simulates the days of old
when streetcars formed the backbone of the transportation systems
of most cities, Vancouver included. Most of today's trolleybus
routes were once operated using streetcars.
A heavier and faster type of electric rail transit was the
interurban. In the Lower Mainland, these operated from Vancouver
to New Westminster, Steveston and Chilliwack. Another line linked
Marpole with New Westminster. Today's SkyTrain follows much of
the route of the Central Park interurban.
The list of North American cities operating heritage streetcar
service is extensive and includes Toronto, Seattle, Philadelphia,
Portland, Sacramento, San Francisco and San Jose. This list does
not include the many museum systems. While most cities use
restored vehicles, Portland purchased four "new"
replica cars which cost about US$477 250, or about one-quarter
the cost of a new light rail vehicle. As a result of this
economy, heritage streetcars are being considered for use on
feeder lines to major transit corridors and as a prelude to
full-fledged light rail transit.
In British Columbia, one heritage streetcar is already in
operation in the Kootenay city of Nelson. This line began
operations last spring using one restored car, which, after only 4
months, had carried 22 177 passengers in a city of 8 500!
This figure surpassed expectations by 20%. Planning is actively
underway for a streetcar system in Victoria. Plans are being made
for a line on Lonsdale in North Vancouver. A route in Vancouver
has been proposed between Main Street/Science World, and
Granville Island or Vanier Park, using the abandoned rail line on
the south side of False Creek. A number of ex-B.C. Electric cars
would be available for the route, one is already fully restored
while two more are under restoration.
Heritage streetcar systems can provide transportation,
education and enjoyment. A properly planned operation can inform
riders of our heritage and instil a sense of civic pride. Thus a
streetcar can link not only destinations, but also hark back to a
different era when it was the dominant mode of urban
transportation.
Malcolm Johnston
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