| :: New Orleans
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Dining >Mexican
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Description and Basic Information ::
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At more than 150 years old, the New Orleans Streetcars are the oldest continuously operating street railway system in existence. These thrifty passenger cars and its pathway – the median of St. Charles Avenue -- are official Historic Landmarks, as well as a primary mode of transportation in town. St. Charles Avenue is a delightfully scenic route, as it is home to several mansions in the Garden District, the campuses of Loyola and Tulane University and the beautiful grounds of Audubon Park and Audubon Zoo.
The original streetcar line was the New Orleans and Carrollton Railroad, which was founded in 1835 to connect New Orleans with the city of Carrollton (long ago incorporated into New Orleans). The 35 olive-green cars operating today are Perley Thomas Arch Roof-900 Series models, built in 1923-4 by the Perley A. Thomas Car Co. in High Point, North Carolina. Each car has a 52-passenger capacity.
Once the city's only form of public transportation, the streetcar today is still serious transportation for many New Orleanians. The rumbling cars are a true bargain at $1.25 one-way, and provide a sightseeing excursion from Canal Street to Carrollton and back, which is 13.13 miles or about 90 minutes. A ride on the St. Charles Streetcar is a charming introduction to the City of New Orleans. Additionally, they have been portrayed in many works of art, including the Streetcar’s most renowned reference -- Tennessee Williams' famous play, 'A Streetcar Named Desire'.
Visitor Passes entitle bearer to unlimited rides on all streetcar and bus lines. Available at hotels and shopping areas. Cost: $5.00 for one day, $12.00 for three days.St. Charles Avenue/Carrollton Avenue ($1.25) and Riverfront ($1.50) lines - exact fare required; transfers to public bus: 25 cents Schedules are available at the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) office: 2817 Canal Street. |
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:: New Orleans :: |
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