Category Archives: Pike Streetcar

Fatal Flaw: Omitting Pentagon Transit Station from Streetcar Network Will Burden Future Generations

Posted on March 14, 2013 by

Arlington County’s Board has decided to make an “our way or the highway” offer for its planned streetcar network: if a neighboring jurisdiction doesn’t want to adopt the Board’s plan, they are on their own.  Fairfax is in (at least … Continue reading →

Posted in Pike Ride/Public transport, Pike Streetcar | Leave a comment

Board Members Fib About Capacity of Streetcars vs Articulated Buses

Posted on March 6, 2013 by

Some board members have been hitting the local press lately with claims about the capacity of various transit alternatives for Columbia Pike.  Unfortunately, the remarks show a serious disregard of fact. In an article in February at Arlington Mercury, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Pike Streetcar | 1 Comment

Government Policies Designed to Raise Housing Prices Are Never Progressive

Posted on February 28, 2013 by

One of Arlington’s great strengths is the rich layers of diversity in its people: linguistic, culinary, cultural, and perhaps most importantly, economic diversity.  From the immigrant living in rental housing on the western edge of the Pike, to the Gen … Continue reading →

Posted in Housing, Pike Streetcar | Leave a comment

The Backwards Notion That Driving Up Real Estate Prices Preserves Affordable Housing

Posted on December 29, 2012 by

The backers of the Columbia Pike Streetcar have many arguments in favor of the project.  They range from topsy-turvy (the idea that serving only one pair of destinations is a virtue, rather than a significant flaw in a transit system) … Continue reading →

Posted in Housing, Pike Streetcar | 2 Comments

Demographic, Attitudinal Changes Are Missing Elements of Trolley Debate

Posted on December 2, 2012 by

One of the most common arguments in favor of the streetcar is that it’s the best choice to encourage residents to use transit instead of their vehicle for trips along the Pike.  The logic is that because current drivers don’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Pike Ride/Public transport, Pike Streetcar | 2 Comments

Seven Months Late, Incomplete Super Stop Calls Into Question County Capacity to Build Trolley

Posted on November 5, 2012 by

At the corner of S. Walter Reed Drive and Columbia Pike sits an unfinished, deluxe bus stop.  This project is the showcase premiere for a series of new, upgraded bus stops that are the Columbia Pike Super Stops.  The on-again/off-again … Continue reading →

Posted in Pike Ride/Public transport, Pike Streetcar | 3 Comments

Citizen Launches Petition to Stop Pike Streetcar

Posted on October 8, 2012 by

A local resident has launched an online petition for residents to express opposition to the streetcar to the County Board.  It can be read and signed here.  Signatories are concerned so far about the cost, effect on affordable housing, and … Continue reading →

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Walter Tejada’s Odd Conversion to Trolley-Skepticism

Posted on July 3, 2012 by

Arlington Mercury has broken the story that Arlington County Board Member Walter Tejada is no longer committed to a streetcar on Columbia Pike.  This bombshell – inconsistent with a campaign pledge – sets up a potential showdown when the Board … Continue reading →

Posted in Housing, Pike Streetcar | 1 Comment

Could Board’s Streetcar Funding Plans be Derailed by Bogus Alternatives Analysis?

Posted on June 4, 2012 by

In order to seek federal funding from the Federal Transit Administration for a transit project,  Arlington needs to conduct an “alternatives analysis” as part of the process.  But under the law governing federal funds, the federal government is required to … Continue reading →

Posted in Pike Streetcar | 1 Comment

A Response to Mary Hynes Opinion on Streetcars

Posted on May 27, 2012 by

This post replies to a recent Opinion piece written by Arlington County Board Chairwoman Mary Hynes, which can be read here.  It is also posted as a comment at Arlington Connection. Ms. Hynes likes to invoke SmartGrowth in defense of … Continue reading →

Posted in Bike/Pedestrians, Pike Ride/Public transport, Pike Streetcar | 2 Comments