News release:

Arlington GOP urges more study
on proposal for Pike streetcar

The Arlington County Republican Committee has recommended more careful study of different proposals for transit improvements along Columbia Pike, before the County Board officially endorses any specific plan.

The local GOP Committee unanimously adopted a resolution on Feb. 22, outlining concerns over issues not fully addressed by a recent report commissioned by the County and the Washington Metropolitan Transportation Authority (WMATA). That report looked at several different transit proposals, and recommended a "modified streetcar" plan (supplemented by bus service) as the "preferred alternative".

The County Board may make a decision on that recommendation as early at its March 24 meeting.

"The Pike is a vital transportation link, and it's the center of retail and community life for thousands of Arlingtonians," said Republican Chairman Bill Lockhart. "We want to see transit improvements that make sense for those who live and work along the Pike, as well as County taxpayers. We believe the County Board needs to take the time to address all major issues, before making a decision that will affect us for decades to come."

The modified streetcar service would run from Pentagon City to Skyline (Fairfax County) along much of the Pike. Streetcars would share travel lanes on the Pike with other vehicles, requiring the installation of trolley tracks and and overhead power lines. The streetcar would make fewer stops in Arlington than current "PikeRide" buses, requiring greater walking distance for local riders.

WMATA projected that the streetcar plan would result in slightly faster transit service and somewhat greater congestion for other vehicles at peak hours. However, many of the anticipated speed improvements were not directly related to the use of streetcar technology (such as giving traffic signal priority to transit vehicles, reducing the number of transit stops, and collecting fares prior to boarding).

The WMATA study estimated the "modified streetcar" plan would cost $100-$120 million to construct, plus an additional $4-$5 million per year to operate. The Federal Transit Administration indicated the project would probably not qualify for federal funds, due to limited improvements in travel time and the availability of lower-cost means to realize the same gains.

The County GOP resolution expressed concern over the cost and service implications of the streetcar proposal. Fewer transit stops along the Pike in Arlington might reduce travel times for commuters from Fairfax County, but would make transit less convenient for Arlington transit riders. And overburdened Arlington taxpayers might wind up footing the bill for the considerable expense of the project, if federal funding is not available.

"We urge the County Board to ask WMATA for further study of these issues, and other matters identified by commenters at public hearings," said Lockhart. "Columbia Pike deserves a well thought-out, cost-effective transit system that enhances transportation and community life. The County needs to insist on answers before making its decision."

[See full text of the ACRC resolution.]

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For more information on Arlington Republicans, visit ACRC on the web at www.ArlingtonGOP.org