By BJ Austin
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-722098.mp3
Dallas, TX – The idea of a downtown streetcar system in Fort Worth was batted around six years ago - with no results. But, Dana Burghdoff, with Fort Worth Planning and Development, says gasoline prices near four dollars a gallon, and planning for regional rail are driving the new discussion.
Burghdoff: So I think that, combined with the amount of development that we've had since we last considered this idea back in 2002, there are a lot of important factors to take into account that make it more timely.
Burghdoff says the streetcar would not be limited to downtown . The idea is to serve the areas within Loop 820 - considered the Central City - and connect with existing and new rail and bus service.
The committee must determine if that's feasible, including identification of possible funding. It'll also take field trips to look at other systems, including Seattle, Portland and DALLAS - which is considering a downtown streetcar. The committee is to issue its report by the end of the year.