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New Northern Virginia Streetcar Coalition Formed
 The Northern Virginia Streetcar Coalition (NVSC) held a kick-off meeting in November 2009 to launch a new initiative that will focus on connecting streetcars in Alexandria, and Arlington and Fairfax Counties. Here is an account of the latest developments of this initiative. according their press release dated 2/17/2010...
Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA) voiced his support for streetcars during an Alexandria City Council meeting this week. The City Council had asked the Congressman to support a federal funding request for a new streetcar feasibility study to extend the proposed Columbia Pike Streetcar line over to the new BRAC-133 complex under construction by Beauregard and I-395 in Alexandria. "Unless we can move people around, we can’t grow." said the Congressman during discussion of the streetcar funding request.
The new Northern Virginia Streetcar Coalition wrote to City Council members expressing its support for the streetcar feasibility study. At the Council meeting, City Council member Del Pepper noted, "This will be a burst of energy for the West End." The feasibility study supports the mission of the Coalition to create a regional streetcar network to connect Arlington, Fairfax and Alexandria. Arlington ad Fairfax Counties already have plans for a 5-mile Columbia Pike Streetcar line between Pentagon City and Skyline, the first in northern Virginia.
The Columbia Pike Streetcar line is expected to be extended on the east end too and travel through Crystal City. The Coalition supports continuing this extension into the Potomac Yards area of Alexandria. Arlington County and the City of Alexandria have stepped up their joint meetings to coordinate efforts on transit. Council member Rob Krupicka stressed the importance of an interjurisdictional effort as well as leadership and vision in order to create a seamless high-capacity transit system.
The Northern Virginia Streetcar Coalition elected its first board of directors at an organizational meeting in late January. The five board members represent the three northern Virginia jurisdictions covered by the Coalition, the City of Alexandria, and Arlington and Fairfax Counties. The Northern Virginia Streetcar Coalition will seek to be the regional voice for those who are looking for a way to add transportation alternatives to alleviate the gridlock that grips the northern Virginia landscape. Streetcars can be a vital part of a regional system that enhances economic competitiveness, supports sustainable land uses and increases access for residents throughout the region. Streetcars help reduce short car trips and offer a broader range of transit options for commuters.
Additional evidence of the gathering strength of streetcar transit is the Feb. 17 announcement by the U.S. Department of Transportation that Tucson, New Orleans, and Dallas have been awarded TIGER Discretionary Grants for streetcar systems as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) totaling $131 million for the three cities. And, in early December, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced $130 million in grant funds for "urban circulator projects," including streetcars. The grants are available from the new federal "Livability Initiative" that is designed to "to coordinate federal transportation, housing, and environmental protection investments." This is positive news for local jurisdictions that are actively planning such projects.
For more information about this new multi-jurisdictional Streetcar Coalition, please contact NOVASTreetcar@aol.com
Columbia Pike Streetcar Project
 The Pike Transit Initiative, sponsored by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), aims to develop a new high-capacity and environmentally friendly transit service along Columbia Pike from the Pentagon/Pentagon City area to Baileys Crossroads. In the spring of 2006, the Arlington County Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors formally adopted the Modified Streetcar Alternative as the preferred alternative. For more information, visit www.PikeTransit.com.
Click on the following link for answers to common questions regarding the Columbia Pike Streetcar Project.
Click here to see the proposed alignment of the streetcar line along with Columbia Pike redevelopment projects.
Improving Transportation Options
What is Pike Ride?
Pike Ride is the name given to Metrobus 16 Line service and ART-Arlington Transit routes serving the Columbia Pike corridor and the surrounding Arlington neighborhoods. The 16 A,B,D,J,F routes go to and from the Pentagon, and the 16 G,H,K,W routes go to and from the Pentagon City Metrorail station.
In addition to the Metrobus 16 routes, ART-Arlington Transit routes 74 and 75 serve the neighborhoods along the Columbia Pike corridor. ART 41 connects the western portion of Columbia Pike with the Ballston, Clarendon, and Court House neighborhoods.
Check out the NEW ART Route 77: Connecting Columbia Pike with Shirlington, Clarendon & Court House!
Pike Ride Routes and Schedules
If you are in charge of a Columbia Pike business, residential complex, or hotel Arlington Transportation Patners (ATP) can assist you and your employees, tenants and customers make the most of the transportation options on the Pike. Visit http://www.commuterpage.com/atp/ for more information.
Columbia Pike Streetscape Improvements and Water Main Projects
As a corollary to the Pike’s revitalization plans the community came together to create a Columbia Pike street space plan that documents their vision for a pedestrian friendly main street. Published in February 2004, the Columbia Pike Street Space Planning Task Force Report describes a plan for travel and turning lanes, lane width, medians, bicycle lanes, on-street parking, trees, sidewalks, street furniture, bus/streetcar stops, and more. Implementation of these improvements will occur incrementally, some with the County’s lead, and others with developer support as properties adjacent to the Pike are redeveloped.
To view current information about streetscape improvement projects go to the following web page:
http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/EnvironmentalServices/dot/planning/page66674.aspx
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