FTA 14-04
Contact: Kim Riddle
Tel.: (202) 366-9951
Tuesday, May 18, 2004

U.S. Transportation Secretary Mineta Hops New Orleans Streetcar for First-Hand Look at Federal Investment

Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta visited New Orleans today to see first-hand the results of federal investment in the Canal Street line, a project that revitalized streetcar service after a 40-year absence in the city and is gaining early popularity with riders.

After a ride on one of the streetcars, Secretary Mineta spoke to transit employees where he praised the public-private partnership that paid for the project and noted the Bush Administration’s efforts to give communities across the nation greater flexibility to pursue similar arrangements elsewhere.

“All of America can take a lesson from this unique and highly successful partnership. This is truly a significant accomplishment. The Canal Street line has proven its value and is a solid investment for the federal government,” Mineta said.

The Secretary first met with workers at the Carrollton Barn, the only place in America where streetcars like those used on the Canal Street line are assembled by a transit authority, then hopped one of the cars for a ride to a maintenance facility where he recognized employees for their contributions to the local economy.

“You are on the front lines of a project and transit system that will continue to help rejuvenate sections of New Orleans and help bring businesses and people to your city and its neighborhoods,” he said.

The Administration’s Department of Transportation provided $129 million to help restore streetcar service on Canal Street from the Mississippi River to local cemeteries, with a spur line to City Park. Revenue service began April 18. A grand opening is scheduled for May 29.

The project included constructing over five miles of track and designing the new streetcars, which closely resemble the historic cars that ran on Canal Street until that line was discontinued in 1964. Twenty-four cars have been built for the new line. There are 37 stops, with 26 stops on Canal Street, five stops on the City Park spur, and six stops on the Riverfront line. By 2015, it is projected that 31,400 people will ride this system daily.

Mineta said the early success of the new line gave him confidence that the line would help “move this unique city’s economy forward by building on its strong past and enhancing those values that make New Orleans so very special.”

Briefing Room