231 replies to this topic

[skirby]

Today the bid for the trolley barn expansion will be awarded.

[skirby]

skirby, on Mar 17 2009, 05:33 PM, said:

Today the bid for the trolley barn expansion will be awarded.

The bid was awarded and work will begin within 60 days. The expansion will allow all trolley cars to be parked inside and have space for three additional streetcars.

[skirby]

The first studies have been released and the estimated cost for the extension to the airport is between $70 and $105 million depending on which route. I don't think, at this time, an extension to the airport is the best use of funds. Although it is NLR's turn I think the best extension would be down Main St. in LR. It would not only service LR but the citizens of Argenta would have service to the CBD in LR.

[Arkansasfiddler]

I agree, I would MUCH rather see a line down main street to the SOMA neighborhood. With the demolition on Main Street, and new buildings in the works for the sites eventually, I think it would be a prime time to plan and build the line and maybe continue to spur the changes that are beginning to take place. (Don't get me wrong, I'm upset about the demolition of the fabric on Main Street and especially the loss of the historical context, but new construction will provide a breath of fresh air at least.)



I think a lot of people agree, the trolley would not run sufficient enough trips or hours in the day to facilitate visitors to the LR airport. The shuttle buses work better for now.



But fair is fair, and it is North Little Rock's turn, (since we used our trolley expansion turn to travel through the scenic parking lots, warehouses and vacant lots of east Little Rock to dead end at the heifer project) and they could maybe consider an extension of the main street line to park hill or something. I'm not sure what their next planned phase is.

Edited by Arkansasfiddler, 23 July 2009 - 10:03 AM.

[skirby]

It is official the River Rail will not be expanded to the airport at this time. The cost is too great for the return. The study estimated that only 84 riders a day would use the extension. The company hired to do the study still has leftover funds and will now explore other areas for expansion. It is NLR's turn for expansion.

[johnnydr87]

skirby, on Aug 27 2009, 07:47 AM, said:

It is official the River Rail will not be expanded to the airport at this time. The cost is too great for the return. The study estimated that only 84 riders a day would use the extension. The company hired to do the study still has leftover funds and will now explore other areas for expansion. It is NLR's turn for expansion.

It was pretty far out anyways.  Glad to hear they're exploring other options.

NLR is really starting to fill in.  

If development is steered properly, I could imagine a small tram replacing the river rail in 20 years....i.e., by perhaps converting 2nd to tram + pedestrian/bikes only.

[skirby]

Trolley barn expansion. Last Saturday, March 6, 2010, the River Rail carried 1400 riders. Riders were being turned away at a number of the stops because of the trolleys being full.

[skirby]

Trolley barn getting a brick south face.



Also, NLR is now talking about extending the trolley north on Main St. to Pershing.

[skirby]

Trolley Barn work continues:

[cmatthews40510]

Metroplan's video presentation on expanding River Rail to LR National Airport.

[MessiahAndrw]

Hello, I am an outsider from Australia where we call street cars trams.

Out of pure curiosity, if your city is building a completely new light rail system then what is the reason for choosing 1920s era looking street cars? (And are they old restored street cars or newly built to look that way?)

My city has recently upgraded its tram fleet and you ocassionally see heritage trams running alongside more modern trams:

http://anilnetto.com...laide-trams.jpg
They all travel at the same speed on the same schedule so you'll reach your destination just as fast.

[ryanaw]

Hello from Arkansas. My understanding is we had a trolley system in the early 1900's. With that being said, they wanted to give you the feel of historic Little Rock by using the old style of the streetcar when bringing the light rail system back. The trolleys are new and up to date, though they look old. I hope that answers your question.