New York — Midtown Streetcar

Rail Transit Online, November 2006

The plan for a modern crosstown streetcar line on Manhattan’s 42nd Street has been revived, this time as part of a scheme to convert the famed thoroughfare into a pedestrian zone from river to river, complete with sidewalk cafes and other civilized amenities.  A new organization calling itself “vision42” has completed a study which claims that banning cars from 42nd Street would boost sales at adjacent businesses by more than $380 million a year, create jobs and attract more people to the area.  The project would have a price estimated at $360 million to $510 million but, according to earlier research, higher property values and tax revenue would more than cover the capital cost.  City transportation officials have promised to evaluate the new study but, along with some community boards, haven’t shown much enthusiasm so far.  However, numerous civic, transportation and environmental groups have voiced support.  Planning began in the mid-1990s for a 2.2-mi. (3.5 km), $70-million crosstown streetcar connecting United Nations headquarters with the Javits Convention Center but the proposal ultimately died because it failed to generate sufficient political support.