Photos: Houston, we have a streetcar
Tucson's Modern Streetcar opens to the public on Friday.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Bikers, pedestrians and motorists had a new presence to share the road with on Thursday - Sun Link officials and operators tested the modern streetcar during daylight hours along North Fourth Avenue on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, in Tucson, Ariz. The streetcar worked within the flow of traffic from the Sun Link Operations and Maintenance facility near Eighth Street and Fourth Avenue, north to University Boulevard stopping at Third Avenue. Testing resumes tomorrow to prep the transit route for summer 2014 passenger service.
Modern Streetcar grand opening
Arizona State Senator Steve Farley, far right and other dignitaries cut the first ribbon as part of the ceremony for the first official business day for the Modern Streetcar at the Mercado District in downtown Tucson.
Modern Streetcar grand opening
City of Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild makes a speech during a ceremony for the first official business day for the Modern Streetcar at the Mercado District in downtown Tucson.
Modern Streetcar grand opening
Patrons walk along North Fourth Avenue as the modern streetcar makes a stop as part of a ribbon cutting ceremony for the first official business day.
Modern Streetcar grand opening
Donna DiFiore, owner of Delectables Restaurant, makes a speech at the North Fourth Avenue modern streetcar stop as part of a ribbon cutting ceremony for the first official business day of the streetcar.
Modern Streetcar grand opening
Ward 1 Councilwoman Regina Romero makes a speech during a ceremony for the first official business day for the Modern Streetcar at the Mercado District in downtown Tucson.
Modern Streetcar grand opening
A plaque represents the Avenida del Convento and Congress Street streetcar stop dedicated to U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva at the Mercado District in downtown Tucson. Grijalva played an important role in securing federal funds for the construction and building of the modern streetcar.
Modern Streetcar grand opening
Cleve Cleveland, operations manager for Sunk Link, makes sure passengers are on board before heading to the second stop on the modern streetcar.
Modern Streetcar grand opening
Residents and business owners gathered at the North Fourth Avenue streetcar stop to watch a ribbon cutting ceremony for the first official business day of the modern streetcar in Tucson, Ariz. The Food Conspiracy Co-op gave out free samples of coffee and coffee cake.
Modern Streetcar grand opening
Approximately 100 people came to the Mercado District in downtown Tucson to help celebrate the during first official business day for the Modern Streetcar.
Modern Streetcar grand opening
Anthony Hinckley, far left and Lori Miller say they are happy to see the modern streetcar in service. The two own Nowhere to Land, Little Shop of Treasures, located at 414 East 7th Street. They opened the business about two years ago during streetcar construction, Hinckley says they took advantage of the location and rent while other businesses suffered. With investment of the streetcar and underground road improvements, Hinckley says the city is making a great investment and setting itself up for success.
Modern Streetcar grand opening
The modern streetcar stop on North Fourth Avenue between Sixth and Seventh Streets. As part of the official first day of the modern streetcar, the stop was the scene for a short ribbon cutting ceremony.
Modern Streetcar grand opening
Vickie Martinez, second from left and her husband, Freddie, wait to take their first ride on the modern streetcar at the Avenida del Convento and Congress Street stop at the Mercado District in downtown Tucson.
Modern Streetcar grand opening
Mark Hart, a former Tucson Rapid Transit driver who worked from 1958 to 1978, has to take off his uniform hat to get video and photos of the city's modern streetcar approaching a grand opening event at Helen and Warren, Friday, July 25, 2014.
Modern Streetcar grand opening
Wilma Wildcat reacts to some of the remarks from University of Arizona president Ann Weaver Hart at the ceremony on the Helen and Warren stop for the city's new streetcar system, Friday, July 25, 2014.
Modern Streetcar grand opening
One of the city's new streetcars pulls out of the Warren and Helen stop for the next stage on the citywide grand opening tour, Friday, July 25, 2014.
Modern Streetcar grand opening
Members of the crowd at the Helen and Warren stop use cameras, tablets and phones to get photos and video of the city's new streetcar loading up with VIP's on its grand opening tour of the city, Friday, July 25, 2014.
Modern Streetcar grand opening
University of Arizona trumpeters Will Willcoxson, left, Adam Velasco and Kaitlin Myers play the streetcar out of the stop at Tyndall and University and on its way to the next in a series of citywide events to celebrate the official opening of the new streetcar system, Friday, July 25, 2014.
Modern Streetcar grand opening
Mayor Jonathan Rothschild talks to the crowd gathered at the Tyndall and University stop, to celebrate the official opening of the city's new streetcar system, Friday, July 25, 2014.
Modern Streetcar grand opening
Director Alli Howard uses a hand rail to rise above the crowd and direct the University of Arizona band at the Tyndall and University stop, one of a series of events to celebrate the official opening of the city's new streetcar system, Friday, July 25, 2014.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
The city of Tucson wants to start passenger riding on the modern streetcar by this summer, but they won't have the required 8 cars ready by July 25. The city is asking the federal government for a waiver to operate with fewer cars. Meanwhile testing continues for the streetcar, this car makes a right turn onto University Boulevard from North Fourth Avenue. Photo taken Feb. 19, 2014.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Bikers, pedestrians and motorists had a new presence to share the road with on Thursday - Sun Link officials and operators tested the modern streetcar during daylight hours along North Fourth Avenue on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, in Tucson, Ariz. The streetcar worked within the flow of traffic from the Sun Link Operations and Maintenance facility near Eighth Street and Fourth Avenue, north to University Boulevard stopping at Third Avenue. Testing resumes tomorrow to prep the transit route for summer 2014 passenger service.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Bikers, pedestrians and motorists had a new presence to share the road with on Thursday - Sun Link officials and operators tested the modern streetcar during daylight hours along North Fourth Avenue on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, in Tucson, Ariz. The streetcar worked within the flow of traffic from the Sun Link Operations and Maintenance facility near Eighth Street and Fourth Avenue, north to University Boulevard stopping at Third Avenue. Testing resumes tomorrow to prep the transit route for summer 2014 passenger service.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Old Pueblo Trolley past president Dick Guthrie admires the Sun Link modern streetcar as it rumbles by while bikers, pedestrians and motorists had a new presence to share the road with on Thursday - Sun Link officials and operators tested the modern streetcar during daylight hours along North Fourth Avenue on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, in Tucson, Ariz. The streetcar worked within the flow of traffic from the Sun Link Operations and Maintenance facility near Eighth Street and Fourth Avenue, north to University Boulevard stopping at Third Avenue. Testing resumes tomorrow to prep the transit route for summer 2014 passenger service.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Bikers, pedestrians and motorists had a new presence to share the road with on Thursday - Sun Link officials and operators tested the modern streetcar during daylight hours along North Fourth Avenue on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, in Tucson, Ariz. The streetcar worked within the flow of traffic from the Sun Link Operations and Maintenance facility near Eighth Street and Fourth Avenue, north to University Boulevard stopping at Third Avenue. Testing resumes tomorrow to prep the transit route for summer 2014 passenger service.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Bikers, pedestrians and motorists had a new presence to share the road with on Thursday - Sun Link officials and operators tested the modern streetcar during daylight hours along North Fourth Avenue on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, in Tucson, Ariz. The streetcar worked within the flow of traffic from the Sun Link Operations and Maintenance facility near Eighth Street and Fourth Avenue, north to University Boulevard stopping at Third Avenue. Testing resumes tomorrow to prep the transit route for summer 2014 passenger service.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Bikers, pedestrians and motorists had a new presence to share the road with on Thursday - Sun Link officials and operators tested the modern streetcar during daylight hours along North Fourth Avenue on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, in Tucson, Ariz. The streetcar worked within the flow of traffic from the Sun Link Operations and Maintenance facility near Eighth Street and Fourth Avenue, north to University Boulevard stopping at Third Avenue. Testing resumes tomorrow to prep the transit route for summer 2014 passenger service.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Old Pueblo Trolley past president Dick Guthrie photographs the Sun Link modern streetcar as it rumbles by while bikers, pedestrians and motorists had a new presence to share the road with on Thursday - Sun Link officials and operators tested the modern streetcar during daylight hours along North Fourth Avenue on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, in Tucson, Ariz. The streetcar worked within the flow of traffic from the Sun Link Operations and Maintenance facility near Eighth Street and Fourth Avenue, north to University Boulevard stopping at Third Avenue. Testing resumes tomorrow to prep the transit route for summer 2014 passenger service.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Public art by Daniel Martin Diaz along the route for the Modern Streetcar at the Centro Garage in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by Martha Lochert
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Public art by Daniel Martin Diaz along the route for the Modern Streetcar in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by Martha Lochert
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Tucson's Modern Streetcar undergoes testing on North Fourth Avenue, just south of East Sixth Street on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
"Poet," by Simon Donovan and Ben Olmstead, East Helen Street and North Warren Avenue. Public art along the route for the Modern Streetcar at Helen and Warren in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by Martha Lochert
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
"Wandering Stars" by Joe O'Connell and Blessing Hancock, West Cushing Street and South Granada Avenue. The stars light up when a button on a pole is pushed. Public art along the route for the Modern Streetcar at Cushing and Granada in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by Martha Lochert
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
"Poet," by Simon Donovan and Ben Olmstead, East Helen Street and North Warren Avenue. The work lights up at night, thanks to an LED light inside the sculpture. Public art along the route for the Modern Streetcar at Helen and Warren in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by Martha Lochert
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
While the street car idles, workers in one of the street cars go over notes and monitor equipment as the Sun Link street car goes through a series of tests from 11 pm- 5 am on East University Boulevard between North Fourth Avenue and North Euclid Avenue. During the testing process the following restrictions are in place. University Boulevard is closed from Fourth Avenue to Euclid Avenue. Only permitted vehicles will be allowed to park on the side street nearest the permit holder's residence. Side streets and alleys intersecting University Boulevard from Fourth Avenue to Euclid Avenue will be closed from 11 p.m. to 5.a.m. Intermittent vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle access across University Boulevard will be provided. Police officers will help direct traffic and pedestrians during this test. The photo was taken on Tuesday, April 15, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
One of the new Sun Link street cars goes through a series of speed and braking tests from 11 pm- 5 am on East University Boulevard between North Fourth Avenue and North Euclid Avenue. During the testing process the following restrictions are in place. University Boulevard is closed from Fourth Avenue to Euclid Avenue. Only permitted vehicles will be allowed to park on the side street nearest the permit holder's residence. Side streets and alleys intersecting University Boulevard from Fourth Avenue to Euclid Avenue will be closed from 11 p.m. to 5.a.m. Intermittent pedestrian and bicycle access across University Boulevard will be provided otherwise transportation is restricted to the sidewalks. Police officers will help direct traffic and pedestrians during this test. The photo was taken on Tuesday, April 15, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz.
World of Beer at a discount
World of Beer located on the street level of The Cadence, 350 E Congress, is among the nearly 130 merchants along the street car route accepting the Summer in the City discount cards.Â
Tucson streetcar
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
One of the many bars and hot spots along the route of the Tucson streetcar is the Hotel Congress located at 311 E Congress. The photo was taken on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Testing of the Tucson's modern-day streetcar continues as drivers work their way around it along eastbound East Broadway Boulevard. La Placita is directly in the background. The photo was taken on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
The city of Tucson wants to start passenger riding on the modern streetcar by this summer, but they won't have the required 8 cars ready by July 25. The city is asking the federal government for a waiver to operate with fewer cars. Meanwhile testing continues for the streetcar, this car makes a left turn onto North Fourth Avenue from University Boulevard. Photo taken Feb. 19, 2014.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Tucson's Modern Streetcar undergoes testing on North Fourth Avenue, just south of East Sixth Street on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Tucson's Modern Streetcar undergoes testing on North Fourth Avenue, just south of East Sixth Street on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz. Streetcar officials' refusal to delay testing during the spring Fourth Avenue Street Fair threatens to close 71 vendor spots along the route.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Tucson's Modern Streetcar undergoes testing on North Fourth Avenue, just south of East Sixth Street on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz. Streetcar officials' refusal to delay testing during the spring Fourth Avenue Street Fair threatens to close 71 vendor spots along the route.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Donny Sondej, lower right, of Railworks Track Systems, makes sure the switches on the track stays aligned as the streetcar is towed along Eighth Street towards North Fourth Avenue in Tucson, Arizona. Workers from Sun Link and Railworks Track Systems performed some tests on the modern streetcar along North Fourth Avenue and on the University of Arizona campus. Photo taken Sept. 10, 2013.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
The modern streetcar is housed inside the Sun Link Operations and Maintenance facility in Tucson, Arizona. Workers from Sun Link and Railworks Track Systems performed some tests on the Modern Streetcar along North Fourth Avenue and on the University of Arizona campus on Tuesday night. Photo taken Sept. 10, 2013.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Streetcar operator Dexter Hall, reflected in an interior mirror, as he runs his route, Thursday, July 17, 2014, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
"Flight of Time," by Susan Wink, East University Boulevard and North Third Avenue. Public art along the route for the Modern Streetcar on University Blvd. in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by Martha Lochert
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
"Flight of Time" by Susan Wink, East University Boulevard and North Third Avenue. Public art along the route for the Modern Streetcar on University Blvd. in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by Martha Lochert
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
"Pen/Sword," by Rafe Ropek, East Second Street and North Highland Avenue. Public art along the route for the Modern Streetcar at 2nd St. and Highland in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by Martha Lochert
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
"Nancyplants Island," by Mary Lucking and Pete Goldlust, North Fourth Avenue between Seventh and Eighth streets. Public art along the route for the Modern Streetcar on 4th Ave at 6th/7th Street in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by Martha Lochert
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Artist rendering of a rail transit vehicle on Pennington in downtown Tucson, created in 2001.
Streetcar map
A map developed by Steve Farley after the defeat of the Citizen's Comprehensive Transportation Initiative in 2003, which showed strong support among voters along the streetcar route.
Streetcar campaign materials
Campaign materials for the Citizen's Comprehensive Transportation Initiative in 2003.
Streetcar campaign materials
Campaign materials for the Citizen's Comprehensive Transportation Initiative in 2003.
Streetcar campaign materials
Campaign materials for the Citizen's Comprehensive Transportation Initiative in 2003.
Streetcar campaign materials
Campaign materials for the Citizen's Comprehensive Transportation Initiative in 2003.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Tucson bike cops take a look at a light rail demonstration vehicle brought by Tucsonans for Sensible Transportation in downtown Tucson in 2003.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
A Bombardier-manufactured light rail demonstration vehicle brought by Tucsonans for Sensible Transportation being placed by crane in downtown Tucson's main library plaza in 2003.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Tucsonans for Sensible Transportation volunteer Nikki Pistacchio talks to a Tucsonan about TST's plan during the light rail demonstration vehicle visit in 2003.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
One of the California-style cars poses at the university end of the electric streetcar line about 1908. UA Main Gate is in the background.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Wason car 8 discharges passengers at 3rd Street and Park Avenue about 1920 on Tucson's electric streetcar line.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Tucson electric streetcar 10 waits for passengers on 3rd Street west of Park Avenue in front of the new University Square shopping district about 1924 shortly after the street was paved.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Tucson Street Railway car 2 Eastbound on Congress approaching Scott Avenue about 1900.
StarRTACover.jpeg
Front page of the Star May 17, 2006, announcing the OK from voters to build the streetcar.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her husband Mark Kelly celebrate the dedication of the Maintenance Facility for the new Modern Streetcar in Sept. 2013.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Tucsonans get aboard a light rail demonstration vehicle brought by Tucsonans for Sensible Transportation in downtown Tucson's main library plaza in 2003.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood signs the $63 million TIGER grant that completed the financing for the Modern Streetcar in Feb. 2010. Left to right: FTA administrator Peter Rogoff, Mayor Bob Walkup, State Rep. Steve Farley, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Supervisor Richard Elias, Councilmember Richard Fimbres, UA President Robert Shelton, Congressman Raul Grijalva, Council member Regina Romero, Council member Karin Uhlich.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
Supervisor Richard Elias, former Mayor Tom Volgy, Congressman Raul Grijalva and Council member Carol West endorse the Citizen's Comprehensive Transportation Initiative in 2003.
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
"Nuestras Raices/Our Roots" by Cristina Cardenas, Avenida del Convento at West Congress Street. Public art along the route for the Modern Streetcar in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by Martha Lochert
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
"Calabashes," by Eric Powell, Broadway at East Congress Street and at South Sixth Avenue. Public art along the route for the Modern Streetcar at Congress and 6th Ave. in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by Martha Lochert
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
"Untitled" by Joe Tyler, South Church Avenue at West Broadway . The work is a nod to Arizona's 5 Cs - climate, cattle, citrus, cotton, and copper. Public art along the route for the Modern Streetcar at Broadway and Congress in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by Martha Lochert
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
"Untitled" by Joe Tyler, North Church Avenue at West Congress Street. The yucca has 100 leaves, one for each year of Arizona's statehood, the stalk lists the names of the state's 15 counties. Public art along the route for the Modern Streetcar at Broadway and Congress in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by Martha Lochert
Tucson's Modern Streetcar
"Wandering Stars" by Joe O'Connell and Blessing Hancock, West Cushing Street and South Granada Avenue Public art along the route for the Modern Streetcar at Cushing and Granada in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by Martha Lochert
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