Strong Trolley Trend in Southern Cities

Four cities either are inaugurating, reviving or extending their streetcar lines this year, bringing to 25 the number of metro areas in North America that are keeping alive the early 20th-century approach to mass transit.

Among the latest places to hop on board:

+ Charlotte. On June 28, the city opened an extension of its trolley line to provide daily service from the historic South End neighborhood to the new Convention Center and the city's center. This fall, three vintage replica cars will be added to the fleet, which now consists of one restored car from 1927.

+ New Orleans. After a 40-year absence, streetcar service was restored to Canal Street in April. The line runs the length of the street along the edge of the French Quarter and includes a spur to the New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park. Unlike the cars on the famous St. Charles Streetcar Named Desire line, the Canal Street cars are air-conditioned and handicapped-accessible.

+ Memphis. In March, the city opened a 2-mile extension to its downtown trolley loop that runs along Madison Avenue and serves the new FedEx Forum.

+ Little Rock. The city gets its first streetcar line in early October, the 2.5-mile River Rail route that crosses the Arkansas River and connects the city with North Little Rock. Stops for tourists include the River Market entertainment district, Alltel Arena and the Statehouse Convention Center. Late next year, the line will be extended to the new William Jefferson Clinton Library.

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