As discussion spreads throughout the community about reintroducing streetcars to Savannah to revitalize her western gateway, CAT CEO Chadwick Reese explains some of the background for this vision. Dr. Reese’s message was printed as an opinion piece in the Savannah Morning News on November 26, 2013.
The notion that Chatham Area Transit is a “bus company” is becoming a relic of the past. As we look to the future, we’re excited to embrace our role as mobility managers, connecting Savannah through state-of-the-art public transportation.
In developing a new strategic plan, CAT conducted exhaustive outreach, organizing more than 20 public meetings over the past year, conducting more than 1,500 surveys and delivering countless presentations. We firmly believe gathering ideas from all stakeholders is a good business practice.
CAT has also launched a website to facilitate the public debate and exchange of ideas.
Why does Savannah need a streetcar program? When will it happen? How will it be funded? Where will it go?
In January 2012, CAT adopted a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Policy which provides for compact, mixed-use, pedestrian and bicycle friendly development around transit stations and along transit corridors. As a component of Savannah’s TOD Policy, CAT evaluated and assessed conditions affecting transit corridors throughout the City of Savannah and Chatham County.
During this time, CAT recognized that incorporation of a streetcar into Savannah’s public transit system would be the ideal way to enhance the city’s gateways, improve underdeveloped areas in east and west Savannah, improve public safety, increase population density, boost employment opportunities and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Earlier this year, CAT opened the Downtown Intermodal Center on West Oglethorpe Ave., which is encouraging new development along the West Downtown gateway area. CAT is proposing construction of the Savannah Streetcar system as an essential investment for improving accessibility and modal connectivity. We seek to shape a new, sustainable path for community development.
The master plan for the Savannah Streetcar system would transform the City of Savannah’s urban core by providing seamless connectivity between Savannah’s National Landmark Historic District and the east and west downtown Savannah gateways.
The biggest question is how do we pay for it? The streetcar project is expected to yield an 8-to-1 return on investment, making it a highly appealing mobility improvement. In order to capture the expected tax value increase from several private properties scheduled to be completed during 2014, CAT is asking the City of Savannah to establish a baseline of property and corresponding values by Dec. 31, 2013. As this will be a five- to 10-year project. CAT has not and is not requesting the issuance of bonds or funds at this time, we would simply like to have the funding mechanism in place
A progressive community is not defined by how many poor residents can afford cars, but rather by how many people elect to use public transportation. Throughout the country, the highest growth in transit ridership is among educated, affluent residents. We refer to these users as “choice riders.”
CAT provides a vital public service that makes a major economic impact and unites citizens. CAT is proud to lead the way in bringing our community together. For us, it’s about dollars and sense.