After 18 months, streetcars return to Roncesvalles.  The new tracks are certainly quieter and smoother than the old tracks.

The streetcar has been kicked around quite a bit lately.  As an automobile driver, I understand the frustration with the streetcar.  I would be similarly frustrated with any vehicle that regularly stops in the left lane and blocks both lanes of traffic.  But, as a transit rider, I rise to defend the streetcar.

Our new mayor wants subways instead of streetcars.  But subways and streetcars aren't directly comparable.  Subways cost about 200 times more to build than a surface rail route.  Subways are dark and claustrophobic - underneath the city.  Streetcars run in the open air and sunshine, alongside local businesses.  Sure, subways don't get stuck in traffic, but the same would be true of streetcars if they had their own dedicated lane.

I'm glad you're back, streetcars.  Now, if you could just space yourselves out evenly...