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I agree that there will be certain efficiencies arising from the fact that streetcars are electric, and there may be some ecological benefit depending on where the electricity comes from.  However, this strikes me as a rather weak justification in light of the enormous cost of installing a new streetcar system.Here is the benefits pitch from the people who make money selling the concept: Streetcars accelerate and organize development (more so than buses).Streetcars attract tourists and occasional riders.Streetcars offer a "legibility" and permanence that buses can't match.Streetcars operate better in pedestrian environments.Clearly identifiable and predictable rail route.Easily identified stops that are protected.More stability in vehicle ride.Greater ride comfort; ease of boarding and exiting.Freedom from fumes and excessive noise of diesel buses.Trains engender a sense of nostalgia, buses typically do not.Rail has the ability attract "choice" markets.A national study shows that rail attracts up to 40% more riders than bus, all conditions held equal. Here is the link to the source for the above: <a href="http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/public-works/trans-plan/Streetcar_Presentation_040406.pdf">http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/public-works/trans-plan/Streetcar_Presentation_040406.pdf</a>Why do streetcars operate better in pedestrian environments?Why is a streetcar running on a railroad more predictable than a bus running on a road?Why can't we identify and protect bus stops?Why can a bus not be made just as stable and comfortable as a streetcar?These so-called benefits speak for themselves as to how hard it is to justify pouring public money into such frivolous pursuits.  Some of these items seem downright silly.  Legibility?  Protected stops?  A sense of nostalgia? "Choice" markets?  Give me a break. What's illegible about a bus?  This is fashion, not transportation.
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