Portland Streetcar Ridership DataThe Portland Streetcar has become a Westside icon. It connects the Northwest neighborhood, the Pearl District, downtown, PSU, and most recently Portland's new South Waterfront neighborhood, home to Portland's own aerial tram. Ridership on the on the streetcar (see graph above) has seen its ups and downs since it became operational in 2001. However, the numbers show that overall ridership on the streetcar has ascended annually. In the past few years ridership has declined during the winter season, trending upward again during the spring, summer, and into the fall. Ridership has increased overall with 4,183 riders during the '01-'02 winter season compared with 8,933 riders this previous winter ('06-'07), the soaring increase of riders over the past few years can be attributed to the easy access and mobility of the streetcar, as well as the newdevelopment in the South Waterfront.
[0]Portland StreetcarThe South Waterfront neighborhood encompasses 130 acres of some of the most potential real estate for redevelopment in Portland. The streetcar is a key component in the redevelopment of the South Waterfront, promoting housing, retail, and access to OHSU. The cohesive nature of the streetcar that brings NW 23rd Avenue to the Pearl, navigating into downtown through PSU, and finally to the South Waterfront is a part of what makes Portland’s big city feel retain the small town charm. It is no wonder that the Portland Streetcar is as popular as ever.