Canal Street Cars Returning
September 21st, 2006 by Michael HomanAccording to Edward Bayer from RTA, work will soon begin at the Carrollton RTA Barn “on the six Riverfront cars, to be followed by the 24 Canal cars. The trucks and motors have to be changed out, along with some body work.” Thanks to Jeannette Thompson for forwarding this great news.
September 21st, 2006 at 6:22 pm
Yes, this is true….on Monday 9/11/2006 I visited Carrollton
Barn to see what if anything is happening. Sure enough,
most Riverfront cars are being worked on. All have been
stripped down to nothing but shell and wheels, but this is
the beginning process of the renovation.
Now this means that once these 7 cars are restored, the
old cars will no longer run on Canal St. The old Perley-
Thomas cars, built in 1923-24 are configured for outside
passenger discharge vs. the newer cars can do this either
way necessary. Also the older cars are not handicapped
accessible, vs. the newer ones are. I’m sure NORTA is
anxious to return to using the newer ones on Canal.
Look for these 7 to be blue while the 24 Canal cars will remain
red. We will soon have the world’s most colorful streetcar system.
The old cars now operating are the same ones that ran on
Canal when the line was discontinued in 1964. This means
that it is a temporary historic event….so get your photos
now! It is a once in a lifetime opportunity!
Happy Trolley Riding!!!
September 22nd, 2006 at 3:56 pm
Well - *second* most-colorful streetcar line, anyways.
Everyone’s glad the Perley-Thomas cars are back.
Congratulations.
September 26th, 2006 at 10:45 am
I have never been to New Orleans but have always wanted to go. I think it’s great that they are determined to fix the cars. I also hope that plans to resurrect the Desire Line are kept on track.