Critical Success Factors for a Streetcar Line
Experience of the successful operating streetcar and heritage trolley lines shows that
there are a few critical factors that must be in place for supporters plans to
be realized. Those planning new systems should devote considerable time to
ensuring that these factors, as summarized below, are in place.
Champion in local government
Perhaps the single most important factor
contributing to successful implementation of a streetcar line is for a
person well placed and well connected in the local government to function as a
champion for the project. This person can fill the critical role of winning
support from government, business, and community organizations. He or she can
also continue to provide momentum to a project when the inevitable roadblocks,
setbacks, or other obstacles arise. Without someone filling this role, it is
unlikely the resources necessary to implement a project can be obtained, or that
the labyrinth of governmental issues can be negotiated.
Sources of capital and operating funding
Creativity and persistence in finding
funding for a streetcar project is crucial, as they do not generate sufficient
direct revenues to cover their capital and operating costs, and as there is
great competition for governmental sources of funding. Successful projects have
typically obtained funds from a variety of public and private sources, and have
often been very innovative in finding or developing new sources.
Partnerships between government, business, community, and nonprofit
organizations
A key factor for most successful streetcar lines has been the collaboration of government, business, and nonprofit
organizations in creating and operating the line. The wide level of support such
collaboration demonstrates has helped convince funding sources to support the
line. As well, the wide variety of skills from a diverse group of supporters has
helped accomplish the many tasks necessary. The presence of nonprofit groups
with willing and skilled volunteers has helped accomplish many tasks at greatly
reduced cost. Virtually all heritage trolley lines have benefited from
collaboration of different groups to make them successful.
Perseverance
Experience shows that moving a streetcar idea from
conception to operation can take as long as 10 (or even as much as 15) years, given the need to build
support, win approvals, secure funding, and complete construction. Thus when launching a
project, it is critical to have a realistic, long term view and to have project
supporters who will stay with the project for the duration
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