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Columbia Pike Streetcar Too Costly for Some

Map courtesy Pike Transit Initiative
WITH FUNDING for public infrastructure improvements tight, is a plan to build a $120-million Columbia Pike light-rail line between Pentagon City and the Skyline shopping center a wise move? Some candidates for Arlington County Board say no, citing the high costs and questioning the benefits South Arlington neighborhoods would get from the rail link. The Sun-Gazette reported Wednesday that "five candidates for County Board split decisively on the proposal" during a Arlington County Civic Federation forum. One Republican candidate, Joseph Warren, said the proposed streetcar a waste, along with public art installations.

In 2006, the Arlington County and Fairfax County boards approved a streetcar concept for the busy corridor, but funding has not been secured.

For more background on the Pike Transit Initiative, click here.

» "Trolley System Splits County Board Candidates" [Sun-Gazette]

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COMMENTS (3)

  • arlington will get back much more than that $120 million they'd invest in increased taxes and the like. this is a no-brainer....build the streetcar line!

    By IMGoph , Posted September 6, 2007 10:41 AM

  • it is not a "waste" if it achieves the goal of moving more transit passengers consistently, while not adding to congestion on the pike. . . can it do that?

    By jillian , Posted September 7, 2007 1:08 PM

  • This investment will be recognized for its wisdom whrn the question of fuel becomes not one of price but one of supply.
    While it might be of a different scale, many years ago the Chunnel Train was called a White Elephant. Just look at the recent enhancements just added on the English side and the inter-Europe connections.
    They're not through yet and we shouldn't be either.

    By Jim Churchill , Posted September 7, 2007 9:46 PM
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