Group wants to steer Alexandria toward streetcars

WASHINGTON - An old method of getting around is becoming hot again: Streetcars.

And a new transportation group, the Northern Virginia Streetcar Coalition, is hoping to bring them to Alexandria.

Plans are already underway to bring modern streetcars to parts of D.C., and Arlington and Fairfax counties.

Arlington County Commissioner Chris Zimmerman is not a member of the coalition, but he likes the idea of a regional streetcar network.

"They're one of the best investments that you can make in transportation in terms of bang for buck," Zimmerman says.

Streetcars are environmentally friendly, and they attract more riders than buses.

Zimmerman will speak at the coalition's kickoff meeting Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. at Northern Virginia Community College's Alexandria campus. The meeting will be held in Bisdorf Building Room 158.

In the District, construction is underway on a streetcar line that will run in Anacostia.

In Virginia, plans are underway for the Columbia Pike Streetcar line. It will connect the Pentagon City Metro station and the Skyline area of Bailey's Crossroads.

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