The Cincinnati Streetcar is an electric mode of transportation operating in its first phase on a 3.6-mile loop connecting key communities in the city's urban core.

Running up to 18 hours a day and 365 days a year, the streetcar will be a vital complement to the city's existing Metro and other transportation systems.

The vision remains to create a streetcar system that spurs development and is part of a larger multimodal transportation system that links areas outside the downtown core and throughout the region. The streetcar system is envisioned to go from the River to the Zoo, University, and hospital area in Uptown.

Each streetcar will hold about 165 passengers and will easily accommodate wheelchairs and bicycles.

Benefits Of A Modern Streetcar System

More Jobs

In cities across the country, from Atlanta to Seattle, streetcar systems have brought in numerous new businesses along the routes because owners can count on a steady stream of customers to pass by each day. Buses and other transportation-oriented investments don't have a proven record of attracting such an influx of business.

More than 300 workers also will be needed to build the first segment of the streetcar system alone.

More Development

The Cincinnati Streetcar Feasibility Study, conducted by HDR Decision Economics and validated by the University of Cincinnati's Economic Center for Education and Research, measures the development benefits of the streetcar.

Among their key findings: There are more than 500 vacant buildingss in Over the Rhine. A streetcar line will help attract residents and businesses to these rehabbed buildings.

More Livable Communities

In its first year of operation, the streetcar is expected to generate 3,700 trips per day, and it will provide residents using the bus system with more accessibility options. By creating denser, mixed-use development with a population that is less reliant on automobiles, the streetcar will reinforce the walkability of the City.

Whether travelling to work, school, shopping, restaurants or social activities, all residents will find use for the streetcar.

The Cincinnati Streetcar will connect many of the major investments in housing retail, greenspace, and commercial activity currently under way in Downtown, Uptown, and Over-the-Rhine. In addition, it will complement new development tools and planning initiatives such as Plan Cincinnati, form based codes, and the Plan Build Live initiative. Download a presentation on how the Cincinnati Streetcar complements Cincinnati’s efforts to create more livable communities.