Cincinnati — Council OKs Streetcar Funding

Rail Transit Online, August 2010

In a series of 5-3 votes, the city council has authorized the use of $108 million in grants and bonds for the proposed six-mile (9.65 km) streetcar line connecting the downtown riverfront with the Uptown area near the University of Cincinnati. This was the last procedural approval needed before construction can begin — probably before year's end — on the $128-million design-build-operate-maintain project.

Still to be decided is whether Vine Street or West Clifton Street will be used between the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and the Uptown area. Both have sharp curves and steep grades along with other possible obstacles. Planners are seeking opinions of residents and technical advice from streetcar manufacturers.