What if WMATA/DC committed to a whole network of Light Rail/Streetcars?

[Tritransit Area]

Now that there's technology that essentially eliminates the requirement of overhead wires, where could WMATA use streetcar lines?

On a webpage somewhere, someone mentioned that the X2 should be converted.  Where else could WMATA go?

Perhaps Georgetown?

[79MetroExtraMD]

There's still the issue of overheard lines in the downtown area to which there is a prohibition against it. I think it's a silly issue since most cities that have LRT systems going into downtown don't have such problems with overhead lines.

[Antozilla]

trolleys are old outdated and inflexible technology.  BRT is the future

[79MetroExtraMD]

trolleys are old outdated and inflexible technology.  BRT is the future

BRT has its limitations. Trolleys are not outdated as rail transport is gaining more interest nowadays than bus. You can carry more folks on a train than a bus. Plus, when it comes down to things, BRT is just still a bus.

[Antozilla]

and a trolley is an inflexible high maintenance trolley

[79MetroExtraMD]

and a trolley is an inflexible high maintenance trolley

Not so much so. We're talking about modern streetcars no different from light rail vehicles.

[Antozilla]

We are still talking inflexible wheel on rail. 

[Tritransit Area]

There's still the issue of overheard lines in the downtown area to which there is a prohibition against it. I think it's a silly issue since most cities that have LRT systems going into downtown don't have such problems with overhead lines.

Indeed, but there is technology available where overhead lines are not needed.  Such as the Kawasaki SWIMO (essentially battery operated): http://www.kawasakirailcar.com/SWIMO-Overview.pdf

Bombardier has a nice "contactless power" system - I think Alstom does as well.  In fact, someone created this webpage about the pros and cons about such a system for Washington, DC: http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=1615

That's kinda why I created this thread.  Now that the whole "wire issue" is moot, let's pretend we have an unlimited amount of money.  Where would a streetcar be beneficial in DC or the DC area?

[Tritransit Area]

and a trolley is an inflexible high maintenance trolley

Hmm.  Well, while there is the cost of infrastructure (the tracks, platforms, etc), there are many "cost saving benefits", such as:

- Not having to rely on gasoline
- Steel wheels tend to last longer than tires
- You can carry a lot more people on a tram than on a bus.  Need more space?  Add another car without having to get another operator!
- Rail vehicles can last a lot longer than a bus in regular service.

Also, the big thing with streetcars nowadays is that they often spur development.  People like trolleys, and they want to build by something that's permanent.  BRT can help in this fashion, but not to the same effect.

And, as was mentioned earlier, BRT is still a bus.  In fact, one of the primary reasons it's "the wave of the future" is because it's cheaper to build.

[79MetroExtraMD]

and a trolley is an inflexible high maintenance trolley

Hmm.  Well, while there is the cost of infrastructure (the tracks, platforms, etc), there are many "cost saving benefits", such as:

- Steel wheels tend to last longer than tires

I wonder why Montreal and Paris thought rubber tires were the way to go with their Metro systems. It's a French thing.

[WMAveteran]

As I recall, only one of Paris's subway lines has rubber tires plus those rubber tired trains are guided by steel wheels that run on steel guide rails.  Plus those rubber tired trains also get flat tires. It would have been cheaper to build with regular flanged wheels on steel rail.

To continue with TriTransit's thread, I believe the best place for a light rail line would be a "Circle Line" outside the Beltway that goes completely around the metropolitan area and connects directly with all of the other heavy rail lines.  As a light rail line it would be a permanent infrastructure improvement that would complement the Beltway and provide a true alternative to commuter travel patterns. 

[Tristan]

Antonzilla, it's the "inflexibility" (the sense of permanence, to be more friendly) that spurs development and encourages people to live on or near a transit line.  You notice that apartment and house ads will mention that they are close to Metrorail, but not necessarily Metrobus, because the multi-billion dollar rail system is more likely to always be an amenity than a bus route that only requires some sticks in the ground to be repositioned.

[Antozilla]

It is the inflexibility that leads to transit delays for minor events that a bus could easily resolve. 

[Tritransit Area]

To continue with TriTransit's thread, I believe the best place for a light rail line would be a "Circle Line" outside the Beltway that goes completely around the metropolitan area and connects directly with all of the other heavy rail lines.  As a light rail line it would be a permanent infrastructure improvement that would complement the Beltway and provide a true alternative to commuter travel patterns. 

That would be quite interesting!  I wonder if there's a nice space near the Beltway for the ROW.  As a matter of fact, what communities does the Beltway directly service?