That I haven't a clue. SANDAG and MTS can figure that out.

All I know is, the streetcar is considered to be more established then bus routes, yet less invasive then LRT. Its like a crossbred, you get the pseudo-permanent aspects that rail lines have in a community (more so then bus lines) but without the longer, wider, larger trains of LRT.

I'm guessing it makes the streetcars less expensive and more "community friendly" I suppose?

Epic picture...

http://www.signonsandiego.com/photos...jun/02/383693/

Library Update
 

I wanted to start a new thread for the library, but I couldn't find an official height, so I will just post some updates here in the meantime.

The "gravity arch," designed to carry the load of upper floors, is now being erected.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2150/...ac9dd2d0_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2016/...e4750c14_o.jpg

Some other random pictures
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/...15081df5_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3600/...b4c2c603_o.jpg

Here's a bonus pic I got today of the British Airways Boeing 777 on arrival.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2542/...968d9027_b.jpg

There are three types of trolley's that do not need an overhead contact system, or OCS. Ones with a extension cord, batteries, or they are horse drawn.

But actually, there is at least one in Europe that does use battery power for a short distance and along a level grade. But, only to bridge a short distance in a historical area where poles and OCS are not accepted. Did I say it was a short distance?

bmfarley:
DC is looking at alternatives to overhead wires for some of our planned streetcar routes because of the hysterics of some streetcar opponents. They are concerned the 1/8 inch catenary wires will ruin views on certain streets in the District (nevermind pollution from automobiles does a lot more to degrade views and I've never heard these people concerned about traffic signals adversely impacting important views).

Several cities use alternatives to overhead wires, including Bordeaux, Nice, Lisbon, and I think perhaps Dubai. Bordeaux uses a ground-based power system, while other technology uses, as you mentioned a battery to capture and store energy from the overhead wire portions of the route.

Here is a posting from the Transport Politic about it:

http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2...ree-streetcar/

There was also an article from this year's annual Transportation Research Board meeting by a consultant at Parson Brinckerhoff about the different types of streetcar power technology. Send me a separate email and I'll forward it.

@Brantw:

Great photo of the BA aircraft. I didn't realize Lindbergh Field is long enough to accommodate a 777.

747 I think.

I heard that 747s can't be fully loaded to land/take off from here?

They do come to visit once in a while though.

http://l.yimg.com/g/images/spaceout.gif

That is correct. Here is a shot I found of a Saudi Arabian Boeing 747 from 2007 sitting on the runway. I also saw a Delta 747 out there a couple of months ago. What's crazy is that I read on Wikipedia that one of the Boeing 777 engines alone could power a 747... not sure how they figured that out.

So Cal Metro
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1330/...5234e24a_b.jpg

So Cal Metro takes great photos! Best and larget collection of public vehicles and airplanes if you ask me. He may be on this site from time to time too.

That's not even a full size 747, that's the 747SP, which is significantly shorter! :P

Some cousins of mine from Florida flew in for a visit this week and this morning I decided to show them around downtown. I accidentally took the wrong exit into Barrio Logan and I was quite surprised at how the neighborhood is quite revitalized with new apartments and commercial centers cleaned up. My guests probably would have never known that this is some runned-down hood! I then drove into East Village and checked out where the Chargers stadium would be and the library construction progress. The East Village was unexpectedly vibrant for this time of day, residents (including homeless) strolling around everywhere. There was a new warehouse converted into a gym (Cross-Fit?) near Petco Park. Beautiful people packing the sidewalks! We then ate at Nicky Rottens in the Gaslamp and the people watching was unbelievable.

Needless to say my cousins were blown away and told me they wished they lived here. LOL

^^ The new commercial center on Cesar Chavez (the huge dirt lot) is finally going to break ground (or already did?) so that should spruce up the neighborhood a bit more.

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townn...1aa3.image.jpg

Interesting interview with British Airways' CEO:

Union-Tribune

^^ That last bit says so much "we're not looking for the airport to expand" ... Hmm...

Yes, that project, called Mercado del Barrio, broke ground in March 2011 and is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2012. It'll feature 90+ affordable rental units and a Northgate Gonzalez market. The Redevelopment Agency and Housing Commission contributed funds to the project. The new apartments you see in Barrio Logan (Los Vientos, La Entrada, and Gateway) are all redevelopment affordable housing projects. http://www.sandiego.gov/redevelopmen...barriolo.shtml

This is pretty cool:

http://www.envision2050sd.com/

Good job NIMBYs, now we get diddly squat for Balboa Park!

I'll take the bypass bridge and 40 million in renovation over doing nothing to the park.

Ideally they'd build a parking garage to the west of the Cabrillo bridge instead of the bypass bridge.

It wouldn't cost 40 Million to straight up kick the cars off El Prado and the Bridge entirely. The bypass is the biggest mistake ever, all the other options weren't given a fair shake.

Was there a render for the bypass somewhere?