Fairfax, Arlington counties still committed to Columbia Pike streetcar line
“The Columbia Pike Streetcar Project is vitally important to the economic revitalization of Columbia Pike and the Skyline/Bailey’s Crossroads area of Fairfax County, which has long desired connection to a rail transit network,” said Fairfax County Supervisor Penny Gross (Mason District) in a joint statement issued by the two jurisdictions April 15.
“Although I am disappointed that our joint application for Small Starts funding was not approved this year, Gross said, “I am confident that the strong community and business support for the project and the long collaborative partnership between Fairfax and Arlington counties will merit federal funding in the future.”
“Arlington, in partnership with Fairfax County, is committed to
building a modern streetcar line along Columbia Pike as the best
long-term transit investment,” said Arlington County Board Chairman J. Walter Tejada. He said Arlington will continue to explore a range of funding
options.
The bulk of the proposed five-mile streetcar line
would be in Arlington, with a small section near the Skyline Center in
the Mason District of Fairfax County.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors endorsed the project in July. Arlington and Fairfax counties applied for Small Starts funding in September. The program provides up to $75 million for projects with a total price tag of less than $250 million. The rest of the money would come from state and local funds.
Thank heavens Fairfax and Arlington are still committed to the streetcar. They are absolutely right that unless we have mass transit that people will actually use there will be no revitalization in this part of Mason District. Mason District will continue to be the place that officials can ignore because there is nothing to go to, except to drive through to get to Mosaic or Tysons Corner.
Agreed – we need the streetcar to both address transportation issues on Columbia Pike as well as spur revitalization. True urban revitalization will not happen unless there is new mass transit and if we can get the streetcar to Bailey's. Smart move by both Arlington and Fairfax.
I am sorry, but why introduce a new impediment to the flow of traffic? I cannot say I have looked at the plans very hard. What does a street car do that a bus can't? The bus can be used on any road in the system. I would like to see an unbiased fuel and carbon assessment on the different modes of transportation.
The old bus systems were self supporting because they were for profit. I keep getting upset since I have to pay taxes to support a system that I can't use. Here we have another.
you really think it will connect to Mosaic or Tysons with out a bus? You are dreaming. Mosaic is a joke in itself.