More Streetcars in Texas? El Paso Moves Forward With Planned Streetcars

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The city of El Paso is resurrecting its streetcar/trolley system, thanks to $97 million in state funds approved by the Texas Transportation Commission during a June 2014 meeting. After 30 years of shutting down its trolley system, local residents and tourists can soon look forward to having enhanced options for public transportation.

According to an article from the El Paso Times, the process of developing plans for the streetcar system began in May 2012, when the city approved plans for an engineering and environmental assessment.  This along with a design plan for the streetcars allowed the city to apply for state funds.

Now two years later, the city will have the means to move forward with the trolley project. The El Paso Times reports that city council representatives voted 5-3 at a July 2014 city council meeting in favor of moving forward with the project which will create a 4.8 mile stretch of rails with 27 stops beginning downtown, near the University of Texas at El Paso.  At the meeting, the council approved a resolution to allow the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority to take the lead on the project’s development. 

City engineers approximate that the project will take about 3.5 years to complete.  Sun Metro, who would own and run the operation, estimates that the streetcar system would take about $2.5 million per year to maintain, but also boost economic development for the city.

According to another El Paso Times news report, the Texas Transportation Commission also approved funding for mass transit projects in cities like Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas.

VIA, San Antonio’s metropolitan transit system, has also developed plans to bring streetcars to the city; however debate continues as to whether this is the best option for the city at this time.

Having multiple options for mass transit is one way to encourage more walking and active transportation in Latino communities. One study found that walking to and from public transportation sites could help populations who are physically inactive become more active and meet the 30 minutes of daily physical activity recommended for adults.

Read the full El Paso Times article here. See some of VIA’s plans for modern streetcars here.