Until the mid-1950s, many major cities in the U.S. utilized trolleys as a part of their transportation systems. Most cities tore up the tracks, but now some municipalities are building streetcar systems again to help solve traffic problems. The Washington Post reports that Arlington, Virginia is funding a 4.7 mile line to be installed along Columbia Pike [link may require registration].
On a recent trip to San Francisco, the cable car system was inundated with tourists wanting to ride the historic cable cars up and down the steep city streets, thus making it impractical to ride without a very long wait. However, based on this rendition, the Arlington streetcar system will look modern so I do not expect it would have a problem with hordes of tourists clogging the system.
Will trolleys make a comeback? What do you think?