Jacksonville looking to bring back street cars

ABC News 25 has an interesting story "JTA Eyes Retro Rides as Answer to Growing City"

"It's faster than walking, but allows them to interact with stores, with the activity on the street," Clem said, pointing to one of the reasons he says 100 cities across America are considering bringing streetcars back.

JTA is considering four areas for at least one streetcar line running to and from Downtown: Springfield, Riverside, the Sports Complex, and San Marco.

Right now, JTA is conducting six different studies on potential mass transit systems that can all work together in a network, including streetcars, water taxis, commuter rail, dedicated bus lanes, traditional bus routes, and even an expansion to the Skyway Express.

Managers are looking to put together a preliminary plan for public comment in the next few months.

Buses guzzle diesel fuel, but streetcars run on electric juice from JEA.

And Clem says the retro rides also make money for businesses nearby.

"It brings activity along the street, and it helps develop the retail and other uses along the Downtown streets," he said.