Commentary Why are so many still fascinated with implementing 19th century rail technology in the 21st century’s public transportation strategies? Using a streetcar for transit? Who is kidding who? Why is Orange County trying to build a streetcar in Santa Ana, California? My recollection from serving on the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board, while…

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) on July 12 approved an additional $1.1 million for the county’s first modern electric streetcar. While constructing track bed for the streetcar, crews unexpectedly discovered utility lines underneath Santa Ana, Calif.’s 150-year-old streets. Additional funds are needed to engage in exploratory potholing to avoid obstructing the track’s construction, a project leader said during a July 12 meeting. “The…

The county’s first modern, electric streetcar will cost more than originally anticipated, and take longer to complete, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) officials said during a Jan. 25 meeting. The news came after the project faced a number of unforeseen challenges during its construction phase, said OCTA spokesperson Eric Carpenter. “Some of those challenges have included unknown…