Ride the Streetcars (Trolleys)

St. Charles Avenue Streetcars

One pleasant and inexpensive activity is a ride on the world famous New Orleans Streetcars. Introduced in the 19th century as a means of public transportation, the streetcars, although much improved, still serve the same purpose. They are used by residents every day, and have become quite an attraction for visitors to the city.

The St. Charles Avenue Streetcars route begins at the intersection of Carrolton and Claiborne Avenues. They travel from that point, river bound along Carrolton, then turn onto St. Charles Avenue, proceeding to Lee Circle. From Lee Circle the route is along Carondelet St. to Canal Street, then back down St. Charles, again past Lee Circle, and back to the starting point. Since it is public transportation, one may board or depart at any stop, approximately every two blocks. The fare is about $1.50.

Along St. Charles Avenue, riders pass Audubon Park (which includes the Audubon Zoo), Tulane University and Loyola University. St. Charles Avenue is one of the City's oldest residential neighborhoods, and it passes through the famous Garden District. Along the route, one is just two blocks from world famous Garden District restaurant, Commander's Palace.

At Lee circle, riders are just a few blocks from the new D-Day Museum, the Confederate Museum, and the Arts District. The Streetcar travels for two blocks on Canal Street, the beginning of the French Quarter.

Riverfront Streetcars

At one time, the streetcar was the form of public transportation. Over time, most of the lines were discontinued, replaced by modern busses. In recent years, the advantages of the streetcar have become apparent. Streetcars have been reintroduced, to run again, along with the St. Charles Avenue line, which was the sole surviving streetcar line in New Orleans.

The first line to be reintroduced was the Riverfront Streetcar Line (aka The Red Line). It runs along the Mississippi River, from the Convention Center through the French Quarter, to Esplanade Avenue. It is a convenient form of transportation for those attending conventions, or arriving on cruise ships, who which to visit the French Quarter and Jackson Square.

Places of interest along this route include The Aquarium of the Americas, the Riverboat Natchez (and others), Jackson Square, the St. Louis Cathedral, the buildings of the Louisiana State Museum, the Cafe du Monde, the French Market, and the old U.S. Mint.

Canal St. Streetcars

In the 1950's, there remained only three streetcar lines: St. Charles Avenue, Canal Street, and the Desire Streetcar Line. The Desire Streetcar was discontinued in the mid 1950's. In the mid 1960's, the Canal Streetcar was discontinued, and replaced by air-conditioned diesel busses traveling down the median in its place, leaving the St. Charles Line all alone.

Following the successful return of the Riverfront Line, it was decided to bring back the Canal Street Line, which is presently under construction. It will travel from the Mississippi River, along Canal Street, to the Cemeteries.

Lagniappe

A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
VHS. Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando

A Streetcar Named Desire (1995)
VHS. Alec Baldwin, Jessica Lange

Lonely Planet New Orleans (Travel Survival Kit)
Tom Downs, John T. Edge