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Overview:

Arlington County is quickly moving ahead with plans for the Columbia Pike Streetcar line which will go from Pentagon City, up to the Pentagon, down Columbia Pike and down to Skyline Shopping Center. The proposed streetcar line connects well with other types of transit, especially Metro. The streetcar will follow a track in the street and will travel in much the same way as a bus does. Electrical wires overhead will power the streetcars allowing them to run without pollution.

The benefits will be many - more people riding transit, non-polluting transit and a new sense of place for Columbia Pike. Some Alexandrians are considering the merits of extending the line into Alexandria at Potomac Yard while others want to extend it into the City at NOVA and potentially to Mark Center.

Alternatives:

Currently, there are three possibilities for extending the streetcar line into Alexandria: just into Potomac Yard, both at Potomac Yard and into NOVA and Mark Center, or all of the above connecting east and west with an extension down Duke Street along the designated rapid transit lane. This last alternative would create a loop facilitating the operation of the streetcar line as the cars would not have to turn around.

Of course, all of these alternatives are long-term ideas, especially since the City has not started considering these possibilities yet. However, the streetcar line would have multiple positive effects:
- If extended to NOVA and Mark Center, the streetcar could connect these locations with other transit options such as Metro.
- Could increase the percentage of commuters using transit.
- Allows for development opportunities along transit corridor.
- Will provide a draw for tourists to explore Alexandria beyond Old Town.

Conclusion:

ADAM supports studying the feasibility of extending the Arlington streetcar into Alexandria. While increased ridership is likely on a streetcar over a standard bus, the economics are as yet unproven.

Several cities in the US have begun operating small streetcar systems with varying degrees of success. A streetcar line in the right place could increase Alexandria's energy-efficiency while decreasing the dependence on single occupancy vehicles. Furthermore, a streetcar could support the development of transit-oriented neighborhoods as in the 1930's when Rosemont, Del Ray and Arlington were served by streetcars.

ADAM also supports a regional view towards the streetcar and other transit options. Cooperation with Arlington, Fairfax, and the rest of Northern Virginia is in Alexandria's best interests, especially since a large portion of suburban traffic must travel through the City in order to reach Washington, DC.