Metro Streetcar
| Company type | Public transit system |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | November 1, 2004 |
| Headquarters | Little Rock, Arkansas , United States |
Area served | Little Rock and North Little Rock, Arkansas |
| Products | Heritage streetcar transit service |
| Owner | Rock Region Metro |
| Website | www |
The Metro Streetcar, previously known as the River Rail Streetcar, is a heritage streetcar network consisting of two lines that operate in Little Rock, Arkansas and North Little Rock, Arkansas. Since commencing service on November 1, 2004,[1] the system was extended in 2007 to encompass of track arranged in a figure-eight configuration.[2] Oversight of the system is provided by Rock Region Metro, with annual ridership figures reaching as of .
History
During the 1890s, Little Rock's expansion was significantly influenced by its street railway infrastructure, which attracted real estate and banking investments. The initial horse-drawn streetcar line began operations in 1876 and continued until 1895, alongside a short-lived steam-powered line from 1888 to 1889. Electric streetcars were introduced on December 23, 1891, following a consolidation under a specialized company later acquired by Arkansas Power & Light. These electric streetcars serviced areas including Hillcrest and Stifft's Station until their discontinuation on September 1, 1947.
The modern Metro Streetcar system launched as the River Rail Streetcar on November 1, 2004, managed by the Central Arkansas Transit Authority.[1][3] The initial phase covered a line linking Little Rock to North Little Rock across the Arkansas River, transporting approximately 200,000 riders in its inaugural year.
Construction for Phase II started in January 2006, adding a extension reaching the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park and the headquarters of Heifer International. This segment opened on February 16, 2007, boosting the total route length by roughly one-third to , thereby improving access to prominent business and cultural sites.
In 2015, the Central Arkansas Transit Authority rebranded itself as Rock Region Metro, simultaneously renaming the River Rail Streetcar to Metro Streetcar to better reflect its corporate branding.[4]
Hours and frequency
Operating hours for the Metro Streetcar begin around 8:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday and at 10 a.m. on Sundays. Service concludes at approximately 10 p.m. from Monday to Wednesday, extends until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and ends at 5:30 p.m. on Sundays. The system includes two lines: the Blue Line provides daily service connecting Little Rock and North Little Rock with extended hours on weekend evenings; the Green Line runs six days per week (excluding Sundays) functioning as a circulator route. Typical intervals between streetcars are about 25 minutes during daytime hours and shorten to around 20 minutes during evenings, nights, and weekends.
Stations
Key downtown locations served by the streetcar include the Clinton Library, River Market, Marriott Hotel, Heifer International headquarters, and Historic Arkansas Museum. The route extends into North Little Rock’s revitalized Argenta district with stops near attractions such as the USS Razorback submarine museum, trolley barn, Verizon Arena, and Dickey-Stephens Park—the home field for the Arkansas Travelers baseball team.
Station signage consists of black posts approximately 10 feet tall with yellow curb markers accompanied by system maps. Passengers are not permitted to flag down trolleys between designated stops. Both vehicles and stations are available for sponsorship through contributions.
Lines
Blue Line Green Line
Stop list
Stops highlighted indicate service limited to daytime hours
| No. | Stop | Jurisdiction | Line(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Main St & Bishop Lindsey Av | North Little Rock | Located within Argenta Historic District | |
| 2 | Maple St & Sixth St | |||
| 3 | Maple St & Broadway St | |||
| 4 | 120 Main St | Serves North Little Rock City Hall, Riverfront Park, Simmons Bank Arena | ||
| 5 | Scott St & Markham St | Little Rock | Provides access to Little Rock Chamber of Commerce | |
| 6 | River Market Av & President Clinton Av | Adjacent to Riverfront Park and Junction Bridge | ||
| 7 | River Market Av & Third St | Serves River Market District | ||
| 8 | World Av & Third St | Near Clinton Presidential Center and Heifer International | ||
| 9 | Third St & River Market Av | Little Rock | Serves River Market District | |
| 10 | Second St & Rock St | Close to Central Arkansas Library System Main Library | ||
| 11 | Second St & Scott St | Provides access to Historic Arkansas Museum | ||
| 12 | Second St & Center St | |||
| 13 | West Markham St & Spring St | Near Robinson Auditorium | ||
| 14 | West Markham St & Scott St | Serves Marriott Hotel, Capital Hotel, Statehouse Convention Center | ||
| 15 | Main St & Fifth St | North Little Rock | Located in Argenta Historic District |
Expansion
The system's growth plans feature an extension toward Clinton National Airport. This development would transform the line from a heritage trolley into a hybrid "rapid streetcar" network, combining elements of both light rail and traditional streetcar services. Comparable expansions have been implemented in cities like Savannah and Tampa, showcasing this innovative transit approach. Finalizing the River Rail Streetcar extension would establish the first rapid streetcar system of its kind in the United States, significantly enhancing urban transportation options.
Rolling stock
The Metro Streetcar initially operated with three vintage-style electric trolleys, later supplemented by two additional vehicles during Phase II. These cars are modeled after the Birney-type streetcars historically used in Little Rock and retain the original numbering sequence (408–412). Manufactured by the Gomaco Trolley Company, the fleet preserves a classic aesthetic while accommodating contemporary operational requirements.
See also
References
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External links
- Metro Streetcar at the Rock Region Metro official website