Bring Back the Streetcars!

Ogden's next transit opportunity

Our region's top transit experts have determined that Ogden is ready for another major transit investment: a modern electric streetcar system, like the one in Portland pictured here.

Like TRAX in Salt Lake City (but on a smaller, more human scale), Ogden's streetcar will bring thousands of residents into downtown each day for work, shopping, and entertainment. It will increase property values, stimulate private investment, and bring us together as a community.

Read on to learn more about this exciting opportunity and the benefits it will bring!

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Connecting Neighborhoods to Downtown

Multiple uses: Work, school, shopping, entertainment

With three downtown stops and up to six others along 26th Street and Harrison Blvd., the recommended transit corridor maximizes the benefit to Ogden's neighborhoods.

The streetcar will stimulate new investment not only downtown, but also in other locations (26th & Monroe, 31st & Harrison) that offer opportunities for higher-density redevelopment.

Transit-oriented development allows our city to grow without increased traffic congestion or loss of open space.

A modern, convenient transit system provides mobility to people of all ages and income levels. It brings people together and builds community.

After this initial transit investment, additional streetcar lines can be added to serve even more of our city.

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Streetcar Details

• 8-minute interval between vehicles
• Exclusive-use lanes in congested areas
• Traffic signal priority
• Runs on rails, powered by overhead electrical lines
• TRAX-like stations
• Low-noise, zero-emission vehicles
• Heated and air conditioned
• Recommended by the Utah Transit Authority and Wasatch Front Regional Council
• Can be completed in as little as 7 years

(Source: UTA/WFRC Ogden Transit Corridor Study and follow-up correspondence)

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Economic Benefits of Rail Transit Proven to attract riders Nationwide, recent rail transit projects have exceeded expected ridership. In Salt Lake County, more than 55,000 people now ride TRAX each day. Creates and sustains jobs Transit connects employees to jobs, keeps more jobs in urban centers, and creates new retail and entertainment opportunities. Nationally, each $100 million investment in transit supports 4750 jobs. Raises property values Proximity to a transit station typically increases property values by 10% to 50%, with greater increases for high-density residential and commercial properties. Stimulates private investment A rail transit station gives investors the security of knowing that the neighborhood will remain attractive to businesses and residents over the long term. Enables higher-density development With guaranteed pedestrian traffic and less need for parking, transit-oriented developments have more usable space per acre. This advantage compounds with the already-higher value of residential and commercial space near transit. Increases the tax base Higher property values and increased retail activity both translate into greater tax revenue for cities. For more information on the benefits of rail transit, see www.apta.com.
		The coming arrival of the FrontRunner commuter rail is already raising property values and stimulating investment in downtown Ogden. Now it's time to take the next step and connect more neighborhoods to downtown with rail-based transit.
		Like TRAX, Ogden's streetcar will enable continued growth without increased traffic congestion.
		Streetcars are popular with tourists. Portland's new streetcar system has received national publicity. Historic trolley cars, like the one in San Francisco shown below, can be used for added appeal.