Streetcars for Cincinnati

After Cincinnati voters indicated their support for a streetcar project last November by defeating a measure to halt the plans, the City Council voted on May 12 in favor of bonds that will serve as the local match for the planned system. The bond issue will produce $62 million in local investment for the total $128 million project to connect downtown Cincinnati with its riverfront and Over-the-Rhine neighborhood to reach the University of Cincinnati. The city will repay the bonds through a combination oftax increment financing, proceeds from the sale of the Blue Ash airport and the sale of the city’s streetlights to Duke Energy.

Proponents of the streetcar expect to attract federal investment to support the full cost of the project, which would utilize modern streetcars similar to those in use in Portland, Ore. and Tacoma, Wash. The streetcar is expected to be connected to the future 3-C Corridor intercity service to Columbus and Cleveland, and future efforts to establish light rail and commuter rail in the region (see map).

Numerous cities and communities around the country have developed plans for both modern and historic streetcars over the last decade, but relatively few have lined-up local investment to support the projects. Federal officials have been clear that those projects that have attracted local investment will receive federal support, given the number of projects requesting funding. Some of those projects were selected under the U.S. Department of Transportation's TIGER grants.  Given Cincinnati's recent actions, there seems to be a good likelihood that a formal streetcar project in the city would fare well for future federal investment.