How is a streetcar different from a bus?
Operation of the modern streetcar is similar to a bus. However, it is quieter than a bus because of the acceleration noise made by buses, it is more environmentally friendly than a bus, and it operates more safely in mixed traffic because it does not move between lanes. One of the reasons that streetcars are attractive to communities is because of the streetcar’s role in stabilizing communities and promoting neighborhood improvements. This kind of development is much more likely to occur in areas containing a fixed transit improvement rather than a bus which can be moved at any time. A fixed transit improvement rather a long term commitment to broad based connections to other parts of a market area. Finally, streetcars carry more people than a bus. This increases the number of people that can live, shop, and work in a neighborhood without increasing traffic congestion.
