The McKinney Avenue Streetcar

Streetcar in Philadelphia

You don't hear Dallas often referenced among cities with streetcars. New Orleans and Memphis come to mind, as does San Francisco. Philadelphia put a streetcar back into service, and San Jose has one that makes a loop. The word "streetcar" can also refer to modern light-rail vehicles, but in this grouping I'm referring to traditional streetcars- one car that traverses a given route and meant for short trips.

Having spent a handful of years in San Francisco, I spent a lot of time on the "F-Line," which runs from the Castro District to the Ferry Building, and now along the Embarcadero- the boulevard that replaced a major freeway in the city. I used to make trips back to Pittsburgh and would hear a "ding" from my friends apartment- it sounded as if I was at home and near the F-Line. It was actually an air-operated bell at a Burger King drive-thru, however. Unfortunately Pittsburgh removed its last streetcars in the 1980s.

Streetcar in San Francisco

So here I am a decade later in Dallas and once again enjoying the streetcar, which travels from Uptown  to Downtown along McKinney Avenue. Apparently this is a historic route and one of the cars is the oldest operating streetcars in the United States. Take that New Orleans, Memphis and San Francisco!

It was in Pittsburgh some time ago that I overheard a conversation among some elderly gentlemen about streetcars. They saw them as traffic impediments and were glad they were gone. Things seem to have come full circle. It seems obvious to me how a streetcar makes a city better. 

Rosie, 122 was built to a standard American design by the J. G. Brill and Company of Philadelphia in 190 and is similar to early streetcars that once operated in Dallas. Rosie is currently the oldest streetcar in daily service in North America.

Still others complain about the noise, especially living in close proximity. Yet visiting a unit that had a view of the streetcar, I longed to be able to hear the rumble and clang of the streetcar going by. It's not noisy. Far from it, the streetcars are charming- romantic even. And how nice it is to walk outside and ride for a few blocks, never have to worry about finding a parking place or having change for the meter.

While Dallas is looking to expand its streetcar line, other cities are looking to add streetcars, both historic and modern. Increasing numbers or residents in Downtown Dallas, in Uptown and along the streetcar line will certainly come to know these cars for their charm as well as convenience. In fact, I would go so far as to say, the McKinney Transit Authority is a major part of what makes these neighborhoods attractive as places to live.