OPERATION

Running Time

Running time is defined as the time required to make a complete trip, including stops, from one end of the line to the other. To be conservative, and to allow for make-up time, this author recommends using a one-way running time of 10 minutes. This allows about 45 seconds for each of the 9 stops, and gives some leeway for adverse traffic conditions.

Given the running time above, it seems reasonable that a round trip from the trolley can be made in 20 minutes. This means that one car can provide a service frequency, or headway, of 20 minutes.. Should demand warrant, two cars can be placed in service, which will yield a frequency of a streetcar every 10 minutes. With two cars in operation, each car leaves its respective terminal (Hal Greer Blvd. or 8th Street) at the same time. They meet at the passing siding at Thirteen Street, and continue to the other end of the line. A 20 minute headway requires only a single car, which simply runs back and forth. Fortunately, the 13th Street siding is located approximately at the mid-point of the line.

It is recommended that initial operations consist of one car running on 20 minute headway for the entire length of the line.

Hours of Service

Like its predecessor, the Ohio Valley Electric Railway, the proposed Huntington streetcar will function primarily to serve visitors. In so doing, it will provide an alternative mobility and a "funnel" for commerce will provide congestion mitigation as well as air pollution relief.

The hours and days of service of the streetcar should be geared to serve the visitors and students, but should also allow residents to use it as a quick and car-free way of doing errands - such as running to the Post Office. In many conversations with Huntingtonians, it was the consensus that 7 AM would be a good starting time, because that is when most businesses open. Closing service at 10:00PM is recommended. For this analysis we will use one schedule of 360 days operating for 15 hours per day versus a 310 day (Monday - Saturday) schedule operation 12 hours per day.

Management

There are a few options to the management of the trolley system. It would be up to the Mayor and City Council to determine the best system of management for this undertaking. The Tri-State Transit Authority is the best candidate for integrating the fixed trolley into its existing fleet.