[PRCo] Re: New Orleans Trolleys & PRM

[Edward H. Lybarger]

I can't speak for the museum on this, but can say that it has not been discussed in my presence.  We have been told that Carrolton Shops was/is above water so it may be moot.

Ed

-----Original Message-----
From: pittsburgh-railways-bounce at lists.dementia.org
[mailto:pittsburgh-railways-bounce at lists.dementia.org]On Behalf Of
hrbran99 at adelphia.net
Sent: Friday, September 09, 2005 12:12 PM
To: pittsburgh-railways at dementia.org
Subject: [PRCo] New Orleans Trolleys & PRM


Speaking of New Orleans.......and, with the way this list can discuss many topics, I am suprised we have not focused on  New Orleans. 

With the federal government, at last, providing much needed security, supplies and rescue to the city of New Orleans, I would like to look ahead to the rebuilding of the city.

I have not seen any news footage showing any New Orleans streetcars and/or buses. The tracks on Canal Street can be seen, however, it looks as though the overhead is mostly gone. I have no idea where the transit authority would move the streetcars to keep them safe. I would suppose they are all flood ravaged or destroyed.

When (if) the New Orleans system is rebuilt, and streetcars are needed, would PTM be willing to give up the New Orleans car to have it run again in its home city?

I only know of one instance where a transit authority went to trolley museums to get rolling stock. That was when Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) used two Illinois Terminal double-end PCCs. They were leased for only one year. The purpose was to provide service from the former Shaker Heights Rapid Transit lines to the Airport (former CTS rapid transit). Apparently the experiment was not a success as the cars were returned. Even with the arrival of double-end Breda LRVs the Shaker Hgts to Airport service was not revived.

Again, my main question is, would the museum consider parting with the NOPS car to the New Orleans transit authority if requested? 

I have become a list member of the current New Orleans Regional Transit Authority web site. I do want to keep abreast of developments on the public transit front in the city. Tonight, after work, I will try to get information on the status of the RTA.

HrB