New Streetcars Start Rolling In Dallas

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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - There is a new way to get around in Dallas. A brand new generation of streetcars began rolling on Monday, and some people are very excited to finally have an easier way to travel.

The first streetcar connects downtown Dallas to the Oak Cliff neighborhood. It begins at Union Station along Houston Street and travels to Methodist Dallas Medical Center, making a few stops along Zang Boulevard along the way. If it is successful, the route could be extended to the Bishop Arts District.

Officials at the hospital are glad to see the new line begin operating. It will be an easy way for employees to get around during lunch breaks, and will give visitors easy access to the Trinity River, along with shopping and dining areas in Oak Cliff.

"I think, like anything, once you get used to it and you learn how to use it, it'll make it really easy," explained Methodist Health System Foundation CEO April Box Chamberlain. "I think we'll see a lot more people down here. Come on down!"

Transit operators said that this is the first of four new Dallas Area Rapid Transit streetcars. The idea is to better bridge areas of Dallas.

"It's another option to get you there. It's easier," said Oak Cliff resident Jason Roberts. "Streetcars we see are, as far as public transit goes, are ones that people ride in higher numbers, typically. I think it's going to be a great way for people to get out into Oak Cliff to see all the things we offer."

For right now, it is free to ride the new streetcars. They operate from 5:00 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. Monday through Friday.