Tag: streetcar

An Orange County Streetcar Named Disaster

Commentary Why are so many still fascinated with implementing 19th century rail technology in the 21st century’s public transportation strategies? Using a streetcar for transit? Who is kidding who? Why is Orange County trying to build a streetcar in Santa Ana, California? My recollection from serving on the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board, while…


Orange County Streetcar Expenses Continue to Grow

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) on July 12 approved an additional $1.1 million for the county’s first modern electric streetcar. While constructing track bed for the streetcar, crews unexpectedly discovered utility lines underneath Santa Ana, Calif.’s 150-year-old streets. Additional funds are needed to engage in exploratory potholing to avoid obstructing the track’s construction, a project leader said during a July 12 meeting. “The…


Orange County Streetcar Project is Over Budget, and Behind Schedule 

The county’s first modern, electric streetcar will cost more than originally anticipated, and take longer to complete, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) officials said during a Jan. 25 meeting. The news came after the project faced a number of unforeseen challenges during its construction phase, said OCTA spokesperson Eric Carpenter. “Some of those challenges have included unknown…