Tracks in the street
Look! A blue train is right here on a downtown street. It is the Atlanta Streetcar. Its wheels follow metal rails, and part of its route shares the road with cars.
Where does its power come from?
The streetcar runs on electricity. Look for the arm on its roof reaching up toward a wire. That wire brings electricity to the streetcar. No steam engine needed!
A small route with lots to see
The Downtown Loop is about 2.7 miles long and has 12 stops. It connects the Centennial Olympic Park area with the King Historic District. Near Peachtree Center, riders can connect with MARTA’s bigger trains.
All aboard in 2014!
The modern Atlanta Streetcar opened to passengers on December 30, 2014. People came together to celebrate its first day of service.
Big trains and streetcars
MARTA’s big rail trains use their own railway, away from street traffic. The streetcar follows a shorter downtown loop, including tracks in the street. Both carry passengers. Both run on rails!
BUCK AND HANK’S SPOTTING CHALLENGE
Find three things in the streetcar pictures.
Point to the rails, the big front window, and a wire above the streetcar.
One more question!
Does a streetcar steer around a corner like a car? Its wheels follow the curve of the rails!