The purpose of this infographic is to introduce the outline of Los Angeles streetcar project to the group of people who are not aware of this project. Thus, I tried to keep my stance as neutral as possible and achieve a balance between the facts and opinions. However, the storyline of this Los Angeles streetcar concludes with the cost analysis of the project and its funding plan. I wanted to ask a question to the readers: look behind the greatness of the streetcar project and its prospective future – is it really a feasible plan?

 

The cost analysis part of the graphic is simple, but it conveys an important message. The total cost of the project has increased 13 million since 2015 (inflation is taken into account). However, a cost of building a bus line in Los Angeles is significantly lower. The capital cost of a diesel bus fleet is $300,000, and the operating cost is $124.45 per hour. All summed up, the annual cost of operating a bus line is even lower than the increased cost of streetcar project.

 

The bigger issue comes with the funding plan. Only 30% of the funding plan is determined – which will be coming from the sales tax – however, the other substantial portion remains questionable. Although the Los Angeles Streetcar, Inc. includes FTA Small Starts Grants and Measure M as their funding plan, FTA funding is still processing and Measure M $200 million is only possible from 2053.

 

While the funding plan is so unclear, it is very clear that building a bus line is much more cost effective than the streetcar. Are the benefits of streetcar only achievable through the streetcar, or is it also achievable through general improvement of transit service? The streetcar might not be the best way to spend the tremendous amount of voter’s money.