As expected, last night the Oakland City Council voted unanimously to approve the grant application for the "Broadway Alternatives Analysis Transit Study."  This vote is great news and represents the first step toward a streetcar.  Unlike the 2005 Jack London BART Feasibility Study, this study will carry real weight in the planning process (Alternative Analyses are required for all major transportation projects; Feasibility Studies are a more general first step).  The Alternatives Analysis will likely focus on three main options: the status quo of existing AC Transit service; expanded transit service with the Broadway Shuttle; and a streetcar line.  It will also refine alignments and other choices.  Like the Jack London BART Feasibility Study, I have every reason to believe that a streetcar wind up the preferred alternative given the economic benefits of streetcars (similar analyses across the country have arrived at the same conclusion--streetcars will generally win as long as 1) there is significant economic development potential (definitely yes), and 2) there is no significant obstacle to construction (while Oakland has some constraints, they are all workable).

Moving forward, Oakland has to obviously receive the grant, and we must continue to increase awareness about the project.  Just because councilmembers voted for the study does not mean the project is even on their radar, and it's important to note that to even get this study complete Oakland will need to come up with an additional $700,000 from grants and the private sector.  This vote is just one small piece of the puzzle.  Nevertheless, a victory is a victory--every project has to start somewhere--so tell your neighbors, friends, and councilmembers that you support the Oakland Streetcar!