The original 2.5 mile line had a total cost, including the streetcars themselves, of $34,887,072, or a somewhat high $14 million per mile. However, almost half of this cost—$15,834,000—was for improvements to the pedestrian mall.
The second 2.5 mile line, which completed the loop, cost just $9,428,860, or $3.8 million per mile. I believe I said $2-$5 million per mile, $3.8 is pretty much within that window.Why the big difference? As noted, the cost of the initial line included extensive repairs to the mall itself, plus construction of a new operations and maintenance facility and a great deal of utility relocation.
San Pedro, California, a 1.5 mile line that recreates the old Pacific Electric “Red Cars†for $4 million per mile, including three streetcars, one Vintage and two Heritage
The authors of this paper both recall vividly an incident all too typical in overbuilding. When Cleveland’s fine old Shaker Rapid line was rebuilt, the cost was more than $100 million, and the result was slower trains running on less frequent schedules. When someone asked the local U.S. Representative about the outrage, the reply was, “Why not? It’s free money,†meaning Federal funds. Bah! Humbug! Where's our old friend Mr. Scrooge when the taxpayer needs him?
Currently, the Federal Transit Administration's process for giving new rail proposals a recommended or “not recommended†rating is based too heavily on ridership forecasts. We strongly suggest it should also include a base line “should cost†figure of not more than $20 million per mile for Light Rail and $10 million per mile for streetcars (a similar “should-cost†figure should be set for urban highway construction). Exceptions should be granted, but only when circumstances such as the need to tunnel through a mountain or other unavoidable local conditions clearly justify them.
SOURCE: APTA Heritage Streetcar Page
The FACT is, trolley museum's all around the world, regularly build, operate and maintain streetcar lines for a fraction of the 'normal' costs. I say we take a page from this and launch with a huge volunteer program. SEE:
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2012-aug-the-electric-7-a-streetcar-proposal-on-a-shoestringThen there is this little jewel, found in a study just released (June 2012) for yet another city in our neighborhood which has solid plans for streetcars. Welcome to the pack MACON, we'll salute as you race past us.