Portland Streetcar expansion proceeds

Portland, Ore.’s City Council, in a 4-1 vote Wednesday, approved plans to expand the city’s growing streetcar line from the city’s South Waterfront to suburban enclave Lake Oswego, south of Portland.

The favorable vote, generally expected, followed a closer 4-3 approval Tuesday of the $458 million extension by the Lake Oswego City Council, following heated debate among community leaders over the streetcar’s economic worth, potential ridership, and perceived negative impact on the community’s quality of life.

The streetcar option, designed to offer an alternative to congestion on Oregon State Highway 43, long has been considered the favored option despite opposition to it; both enhanced bus service and the obligatory “no-build” option generally were not seriously regarded.

Cost remains a concern even among those who support streetcar expansion. “No one has explained to me why it is so expensive,” said Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman. “My support for this preferred local alternative should by no means be construed as support for this project at any costs. We need more information before we can say go.”

Portland Streetcar, owned by the city, began operations in 2001 as a roughly 4.8-mile loop route, connecting with the city’s older and better-known MAX light rail transit service. Extensions were added in 2005 and 2007, and construction began in 2009 to complete a $148 million, 3.3-mile Eastside Extension straddling both sides of the Willamette River.