How To Get A Streetcar System In Jacksonville

[Metro Jacksonville]

How To Get A Streetcar System In Jacksonville



Milwaukee provides us with a step-by-step blueprint for implementing a streetcar line in less than five years. What excuse can we come up with now to continue to do nothing to improve fixed-transit connectivity and bring economic redevelopment to downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods?


Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-jul-how-to-get-a-streetcar-system-in-jacksonville

[Noone]

I know I'm warming to the idea.

SOS - Save Our Springfield

SOS- Start Our Streetcar

I'd volunteer to lay a section of track if it goes down Bay St. throgh the flex space. Break it down into pieces that can be seen and open it up to everyone. Make it FUN.

The Amazing Race.

The Amazing streetcar track laying team.

CSX- Where are You?

Make it Happen

[dougskiles]

What part of our local government is responsible for taking the first step?  The Mobility Plan is the Planning Dept's baby - does that mean the ball is in their court?

[thelakelander]

CSX- Where are You?

We don't need CSX for this baby.  We'd be better off staying as far away from them as possible, in regards ROW.

[thelakelander]

What part of our local government is responsible for taking the first step?  The Mobility Plan is the Planning Dept's baby - does that mean the ball is in their court?

I'd say JTA opened the door with that prefeasibility study a couple of years ago, most likely after the community began to question the validity of their original BRT plan.  The North Florida TPO followed by putting the streetcar/commuter rail projects in the LRTP, which will help us access federal funding if Jax chooses to go that route.  The planning department was a huge help by getting council to adopt neighborhood visioning plans, a mobility plan and fee, which can serve as a funding mechanism for capital costs.  Milwaukee's experience may serve as a great example of how to generate annual O&M costs to keep a line up and running without raising taxes.  So at this point, I'd say the groundwork has been laid and it's time for the Mayor's Office to progress this to the next level, since the concept really isn't a top priority of JTA.  However, to do that, I think we're going to have to generate some economic development and job creation numbers to prove that investing in fixed transit is worthwhile for turning downtown and the inner city neighborhoods around.

[fsujax]

Yes. I agree the direction needs to come from the Mayor's office at this point for JTA to make it a priority.

[wsansewjs]

Someone needs to bitch-slap JTA real soon.

-Josh

[Gravity]

if we could expand the rail we already have downtown, or mix into a comprehensive system, that would be ideal. Something disparate from what exists would only add to the lack of cohesion which is among this city's primary challenges.

In NYC you can transfer from the subway onto a bus, which usually has either going in a direction you want to go, not so here

[Noone]

In regards ROW? I don't get it.

You have to include CSX. Every day we will be reminded by the Administration of PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP.

Wake up in the morning. What will you do today for your PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP. In all due respect Lake. "How Tomorrow Moves.....Just not with CSX in Jacksonville". The offer needs to be extended. In my opinion

I mention the Shipyards location because its a blank canvas. I've participated in two SOS Make it Happen events and once the track is laid I'd be on the phone to John to suggest the landscaping. SOS knows what I'm trying to convey.

Imagine the potential FUN of this project. I'm sure there are companies that would want to hire RR installers. What a combination of all types of experts that can oversee the installation of a streetcar line and once a section is done have it inspected and certified. We will be watching and offering someone a job.

Remember SCAD? Open this up to schools, Neighborhoods, Any company associated with the railroad.

Imagine a Save Our Springfield team.

Imagine a Pub Crawler Team. May start late. Track may be crooked. But you know they will show up and give it 100%. LOL 

How development will move knowing that a streetcar line is right next to our St. Johns River our American Heritage River.

[thelakelander]

In regards ROW? I don't get it.

You have to include CSX. Every day we will be reminded by the Administration of PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP.

Wake up in the morning. What will you do today for your PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP. In all due respect Lake. "How Tomorrow Moves.....Just not with CSX in Jacksonville". The offer needs to be extended. In my opinion

Why specifically include CSX and not Fidelity, UNF, BCBS, Stein Mart or SJTC?  I guess my point is that I want to make sure everyone understands that CSX or any other freight railroad's operations and ROW have nothing to do with the implementation of a streetcar system running on public ROW.  I'm not saying that public private partnerships should not be explored.  However, I am saying that there's no benefit in cherry picking CSX just because they happen to be a railroad company.

[Noone]

OK, ROW- Right of Way. Sure look at all the potential Downtown Partners. Include the television stations too.

I see what you are saying about streetcar and freight loading.

I've mentioned this in another thread so then who is the potential streetcar company that we would use?
How many companies are there?
Who is the contact person?
Have you or anyone with MJ been in communication with anyone? 
I'm on your side. If we are going to get a Streetcar System in Jacksonville is there a company to start with?
As for laying track in the Shipyards......Any thoughts?   

[thelakelander]

There are a million ways to set these things up.  For instance, in Dallas the M-Line Streetcar is operated by volunteers.  On the other hand, new systems in Charlotte and Milwaukee will be constructed and owned by those city governments, while their local transit authorities will operate them.  At this point, it remains to be seen what model would work best for Jacksonville.  As we progress with further study, detailed operational issues will be decided depending on the result of information learned from further studies.

[Tacachale]

What chance does this have of becoming a priority for the mayor?

[tufsu1]

It is a prioritty on the list of recommendations the Transition Team's Transportation Committee provided to the Mayor

[dougskiles]

Yes. I agree the direction needs to come from the Mayor's office at this point for JTA to make it a priority.

Great, now I know who to pester!

Will TransformJax be making a concentrated effort to the mayor?  If so, please let us know how we can help.