9 Reasons to Expand the Skyway..as a Streetcar

[Metro Jacksonville]

9 Reasons to Expand the Skyway..as a Streetcar



Like it, love it or hate it, it's decision time concerning what to do with the Skyway's future. Here's 9 reasons why the Skyway should be converted into a lightweight streetcar.

Read More: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2015-nov-9-reasons-to-expand-the-skywayas-a-streetcar

[CCMjax]

How about the dude just chillin' at the stop in the photo under 9?  Where can I get me one of those suits?

[thelakelander]

^Head up to Gateway Mall. I'm sure there are a few stores that can hook you up!

[JaxJersey-licious]

Is it no coincidence that Robert Mann's map for future possible streetcar routes resembles something from Monty Python's Ministry of Silly Walks?

[thelakelander]

Some of Bob's notes that didn't make the article. This is from a US manufacturer builds streetcars without the overhead wires.


Artists conception of a lightweight modern streetcar being built at the TIG-M plant.

TIG/m's mission is to help facilitate the reintroduction of the electric street railway into the fabric of the modern city. By removing the need for extensive and complex wayside power distribution systems, we are making streetcar systems more affordable, maintainable, and aesthetically pleasing.

It is a fact that, in the typical streetcar project, up to 50% of the capital cost of  infrastructure construction is spent on power distribution systems. Furthermore, up to 50% of the cost of system maintenance is spent on maintenance of wayside power systems; all of theses costs are eliminated from the project when TIG/m self-powered streetcars are employed.

TIG/m Streetcars operate on standard gauge track and do not require any form of wayside power system. All electrical power required for a full day of passenger service is carried on-board the vehicle. Once per day, usually at the end of the passenger service-day, the batteries are charged and balanced and the on-board generator, if any, is refueled. Battery charging equipment is carried on-board the vehicle and each night the vehicle is simply plugged in using the supplied high-voltage charge cord.

TIG/m streetcars are custom designed to meet the individual project requirements. Craftsmanship is of the utmost importance to us and every care is taken in all aspects of the manufacturing process. Whether it is the structural welding, electronic controls, propulsion system fabrication, or quality coachwork, only the finest technicians and skilled craftsman are involved.

http://www.tig-m.com/products.html

[Jason]

Brilliant article!

ALL of Northeast Florida should read this.

[strider]

Great article.  Can we get JTA to listen?

[tayana42]

Well done.  Let's make it happen!

[spuwho]

Is there anyway you can get an audience with Nat Ford?

It would be great to hear some reasons why it can't be considered.

If all you get is the "urban planner, rail aficionado" treatment, then JTA is truly lost.

That would mean they only seek what they think will get funded, not necessarily what is right for the city. That is a compromise foisted on us for way too long.