Bill Overview
Title: No Desire for Streetcars Act
Description: This bill prohibits funds from certain programs to be used for the procurement, operation, or maintenance of a streetcar, including the surface transportation block grant program and fixed guideway capital investment grant program.
Sponsors: Rep. Perry, Scott [R-PA-10]
Target Audience
Population: People relying on streetcars as part of public transportation
Estimated Size: 3000000
- The legislation affects funding for streetcars, which are part of public transportation systems.
- Streetcars are often used in urban areas to enhance public transit connectivity.
- The funding prohibition could impact city dwellers who rely on streetcars for daily commutes.
- Streetcar projects can also be important for reducing urban congestion and pollution.
- Streetcars are not as widespread globally but are more significant in certain North American, European, and some Asian cities.
Reasoning
- The act affects urban residents in cities with streetcars, limiting transportation options if funding is cut, particularly for daily commuters.
- Well-being scores can reflect personal impacts, like increased commute times or costs due to limited streetcar operations.
- Streetcars are particularly relevant in cities with tourist attractions, affecting not only daily commuters but also tourism workers.
- Federal budgeting constraints mean targeting cities with higher dependency on streetcar systems, and estimating the scale of impact across such urban populations.
- This information needs to factor in alternative public transport availability, as cities with more options may see a lower impact on well-being.
Simulated Interviews
Marketing Manager (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The streetcars are essential for my daily commute. Without them, I would need to look at more expensive and less convenient options.
- Losing funding for maintenance could mean more breakdowns or delays, affecting not only me but many in my community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 6 |
Software Developer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I use streetcars occasionally when going downtown and they're part of what makes the city accessible.
- While I won't be heavily affected personally since I work remotely, I think it's a loss for the city as a whole.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Tour Guide (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Streetcars are a major part of my tours, they are pivotal in sharing the history and charm of the city with tourists.
- If they go, my work would be much harder and less interesting for visitors.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 6 |
Retired (Portland, OR)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The streetcars enable me to get around easily without driving, especially as I get older.
- Cutting back these services feels like cutting back my independence.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 6 |
Environmental Scientist (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 38 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Streetcars are a cleaner alternative to cars and help reduce emissions.
- I believe they’re integral to urban transport sustainability, though I personally don’t depend on them daily.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
College Student (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I need the streetcars to get to classes, they are affordable and convenient.
- If streetcars are gone, I'll have to budget more for other transport methods, which is tough for a student.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 5 |
Store Owner (Milwaukee, WI)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Streetcars bring tourists right to my shop, they’re an asset to local businesses.
- I'm worried this policy means fewer customers walking through my door.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 6 |
Ride-sharing Driver (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I understand some streetcars compete with my business, they help reduce city congestion.
- My livelihood is flexible, but I’d prefer more sustainable transport options around.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Architect (Charleston, SC)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Streetcars play a role in sustainable city planning—something I’m deeply invested in professionally.
- The policy could stall innovations in urban transit that are essential for smart city growth.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 7 |
Public Policy Analyst (New York, NY)
Age: 56 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Streetcar funding cuts are symptomatic of larger issues within public infrastructure funding.
- While I’m not directly affected personally, I think this limits transit options crucial for city resilience.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $8000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $8000000)
Year 3: $5000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $8000000)
Year 5: $5000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $8000000)
Year 10: $5000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $8000000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $8000000)
Key Considerations
- Reallocation of funds could have varying economic impacts.
- The urban transportation planning of certain cities might be negatively affected.
- Local governments may need to seek alternative funding for streetcar projects.