Loyola students will be able to go beyond Canal and Camp Streets in upcoming years as streetcar lines are expanded.
Regional Transit Authority in New Orleans is undergoing a three-phase expansion project that will extend the streetcar lines to reach the Central Business District and the French Quarter.
It will also connect the Ernst N. Memorial Convention Center with the existing River Front and Canal Street stops.
“Implementation of all three expansion phases will provide streetcar access within six blocks of anywhere in the French Quarter or the CBD, improving economic competitiveness and quality of life,” stated the U.S. Department of Transportation in a 2010 press release.
In an effort to support the city’s culture, the U.S. government and Department of Transportation awarded New Orleans a grant to expand its streetcar lines through the economic stimulus plan.
The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant has provided $45 million for streetcar expansion with the hope that it will improve the areas surrounding the new lines.
Many Loyola students make use of the streetcars passing right in front of campus, which currently run on Carrollton and St. Charles Avenues to Downtown. Another line runs in Mid City, along Carrollton and Canal Avenues.
“It’s just a convenient form of transportation,” said Farihah Haque, chemistry freshman.
Some students said they believe it will be beneficial. However, they also fear that placing public transportation in these new downtown areas will attract potentially dangerous situations.
“They need to do that. It’s a good idea, but there are some downfalls,” said Katherine Campbell, English writing sophomore and frequent streetcar rider. “If the city is going to go through with this, they should iron out security details to keep their drivers and passengers safe. Drivers have walkie-talkies…they need something else.”
Regular meetings were held to explore public opinion on the expansion and to inquire needs that citizens believed should be met.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Transportation Systems Center, residents have communicated the need and support of the streetcar expansion, despite security concerns.
The construction of the new streetcar lines is estimated to be completed by fall 2013.
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