New streetcars no trolley folly for Portland

PORTLAND -- The Rose City is going back in time to provide a new public-transportation system that makes touring the town even more of a treat -- in a city that was already a carless visitor's dream.

"Look, we have streetcars again," says Kay Dannen, community-relations manager for Portland Streetcar Inc.

Five handsome electric trams from the Czech Republic are looping by some of downtown Portland's top visitor attractions, and linking the downtown core with Portland State University, the trendy Pearl District and the restaurants and shops of northwest Portland.

Two more streetcars will be delivered in mid-2002. And a year later, rails will be extended to RiverPlace, a fashionable residential and retail center on the Willamette River.

The city-operated streetcars do not duplicate routes covered by the MAX light-rail trains and buses operated by Tri-Met, the regional transit authority. In fact, they fill gaps in the Tri-Met system.

But, for passenger convenience, one fare works for all — the streetcars, trains and buses.

"We're working together," Dannen says, "And we're delighted with our streetcars."

So are visitors — who can take a train, bus or plane to the city and get around just fine without an automobile — as well as Portlanders. The first streetcars went into service July 20. Daily ridership already is nearing 6,000 passengers.

Back to the future

The 21st-century streetcars are reminiscent of the way things used to be in early Portland.

Dozens of miles of trolley tracks criss-crossed the Portland area more than 100 years ago. First, in 1872, were horse-drawn streetcars. Then came steam trains, then electric rigs. But soon after World War II, automobiles crowded streetcars off the streets.

The oldtime streetcars pleased real-estate interests by encouraging development of several outlying neighborhoods. Today's streetcar system links the business core with close-in neighborhoods such as the hip Pearl District.

"It's an alternative to the automobile that is both convenient and fun," says City Commissioner Charlie Hales.

Not long ago, the Pearl, as locals call it, was anything but a gem — a gritty industrial district with gloomy warehouses and rail yards. Now it is a lively locale with spendy (rhymes with trendy) apartments and condos. Figure $300,000 or so for a loft in the Pearl, more than $1 million for a penthouse.

Now holiday shoppers can hop aboard a Portland streetcar to explore the Pearl's art galleries, antique shops and cafes.

Holiday festivities will begin here Nov. 30-Dec. 2, with Portland's annual Holiday Ale Festival in Pioneer Courthouse Square, the city's downtown gathering spot for events ranging from Christmas-tree lightings to group protests.

Also on the holiday menu here are Christmas programs by Portland Center Stage (at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts), the Oregon Ballet Theatre, the Northwest Children's Theatre, the Oregon Symphony, the Oregon Zoo and lighted Christmas ships cruising the Columbia and Willamette rivers.

Lights, thousands of lights (some boosters say more than a million), brighten Portland during the holiday season.

Streetcars earned respect

Be careful where you park along the streetcar route.

There is a white "boundary line" to indicate where the streetcars on rails require their space. Park outside that line or be towed.

"So far, we have only had to tow two vehicles, and that's pretty good," says Kay Dannen.

Dannen describes the $1.7 million, European-style streetcars as "functional but pretty." The 150-passenger cars come with air-conditioning, big windows and low-to-sidewalk floors for easy boarding.

There are 32 stops, all with rain shelters, along the 4.8-mile route. "Cruising speed" is about 15 mph, just right for sightseeing. The complete loop takes 50 minutes.

Suggestion: Board downtown on Southwest 10th Avenue (close by Southwest Yamhill Street), across from the Central Library. You shouldn't have to wait for more than 15 minutes between streetcars.

Carry change. Fare machines aboard the streetcars accept only coins.

As with Tri-Met buses and MAX trains, passengers ride on the honor system. Customer-service personnel board from time to time to request proof of paid fares.

Portland was the first United States city to order the Czech-made streetcars. Better-known factories in Germany quoted higher prices.

"These cars are custom-made for us, with a lot of hand workmanship," Dannen says. "We took a chance, and we are pleased with the mechanical reliability."

The city also took a chance by deciding to build a streetcar system that would connect neighborhoods not served by light rail.

Skeptics called the streetcar concept "donkey trolleys."

"They changed their minds later," Dannen says. "We earned their respect."

Dannen credits the "vision and guts" of city leaders, along with input by strong neighborhood associations, for bringing the new streetcars to Portland.

"People here stick their necks out for good causes," she says.

If you go to Portland

Streetcar fares:
$1.25 for adults, 95 cents for students 18 and younger, 60 cents for seniors 65 and older. Fares are the same for the Portland area's Tri-Met buses and MAX light-rail train.

Streetcar hours:
Monday through Thursday 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sunday 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Streetcar information:
503-238-RIDE (7433) or on the Web: www.portlandstreetcar.org.

Off-season bargains, more information:
The Portland Big Deal off-season discount program offers deals on lodging, travel and attractions. To book a discounted room or for other information on Portland, call the Portland Oregon Visitors Association toll-free, 877-678-5263, or see the Web: www.travelportland.com.

Copyright © The Seattle Times Company

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