Columbus Streetcar

Discussion took place for a larger scale light rail system which would run along the streetcar route and also connect the northern part of the city to downtown.

[3][4] Initially proposed in a February 2006 State of the City speech by Mayor Michael Coleman, the system was touted as a tool to connect the various sections of downtown as well as promote development.

[5] On 22 March 2006, the mayor convened a working group consisting of various political and business leaders as well as community stakeholders to investigate the feasibility of returning streetcars to the city.

After the results of the economic study showed 3,000 new downtown jobs, 300 hotel rooms and 1,500 new housing units from the most conservative standpoint, the working group voted overwhelmingly in favor of pursuing a streetcar system in Columbus.

[9][10] He cited the fact that the system would use modern cars similar to the Portland Streetcar, and would not be intended as a tourist attraction.