The US Department of Transportation’s (DoT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has launched Ohio’s new Cincinnati Streetcar, which connects several destinations in the city’s downtown, riverfront area, and Over-the-Rhine neighbourhood.
Named Cincinnati Bell Connector, the new 3.6-mile line passes through 18 stations.
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The DoT has provided a $16m fund from a transportation investment generating economic recovery (TIGER) grant and around $29m in other funding for the project.
US transportation secretary Anthony Foxx said: “Today Cincinnati joins a growing list of cities across the country that have chosen streetcars to revitalise their downtown and improve mobility for citizens.
“Cincinnati’s streetcar will attract new businesses and investment along the route and transform the neighbourhoods surrounding the project, as other streetcars have in cities all over the US.”
Since 2009, DOT has provided more than $550m to various streetcar projects across the country.
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By GlobalDataThe projects involve starter lines in Kansas City, Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte and Tucson, as well as extensions to systems in Portland and New Orleans.
Federal Transit Administration acting administrator Carolyn Flowers said: “The streetcar will expand transportation options for residents and visitors, spur economic development and connect workers to jobs, helping to build ladders of opportunity throughout the city.”
FTA said that Cincinnati Bell Connector has helped in bringing new employment, retail and housing in Cincinnati.
The line has also helped establish restaurants and other retail and residential projects at the northern end of the line situated in the Over-the-Rhine neighbourhood.
In June, Foxx announced that the DoT would provide a transportation infrastructure finance and innovation act (TIFIA) loan of $874.6m to Purple Line Transit Partners for undertaking the Maryland Purple Line.
Image: Newly launched Cincinnati Bell Connector. Photo: courtesy of US Department of Transportation.
