Believe in Cincinnati wants to start conversation on expanding streetcar

Streetcar advocates marked the anniversary of the project's new life with talks of expanding the still-under-construction line.Members of Believe in Cincinnati gathered at Race and Elder streets in Over-the-Rhine to announce their goal to continue the conversation on expanding the project.The group wants the line expanded to serve uptown communities, including Corryville, Clifton, Mount Auburn and Avondale.Believe in Cincinnati members want to continue the conversation about expanding the streetcar line. They pointed to the economic investments along the line as proof that it will bring people to the city.The group wants to form a coalition to campaign for identifying the most efficient and cost-effective method of expanding the line for riders and taxpayers.Members want to begin working on a feasibility plan to present to city leaders."The logical next step for the streetcar to protect and embolden Cincinnati's economic infrastructure is to connect the city's two largest business centers," Believe in Cincinnati founder Ryan Messer said. "Bringing the streetcar uptown is an investment in the success of the city, and a responsible course of action for our communities."Believe in Cincinnati kept pressure on city leaders to continue the streetcar project last December.Phase I of the 3.6-mile project is slated to cost about $148 million and is scheduled be operational in September 2016.

Streetcar advocates marked the anniversary of the project's new life with talks of expanding the still-under-construction line.

Members of Believe in Cincinnati gathered at Race and Elder streets in Over-the-Rhine to announce their goal to continue the conversation on expanding the project.

The group wants the line expanded to serve uptown communities, including Corryville, Clifton, Mount Auburn and Avondale.

Believe in Cincinnati members want to continue the conversation about expanding the streetcar line. They pointed to the economic investments along the line as proof that it will bring people to the city.

The group wants to form a coalition to campaign for identifying the most efficient and cost-effective method of expanding the line for riders and taxpayers.

Members want to begin working on a feasibility plan to present to city leaders.

"The logical next step for the streetcar to protect and embolden Cincinnati's economic infrastructure is to connect the city's two largest business centers," Believe in Cincinnati founder Ryan Messer said. "Bringing the streetcar uptown is an investment in the success of the city, and a responsible course of action for our communities."

Believe in Cincinnati kept pressure on city leaders to continue the streetcar project last December.

Phase I of the 3.6-mile project is slated to cost about $148 million and is scheduled be operational in September 2016.