A revival of streetcars in downtown Greensboro would have a great impact on transportation within the center-city. Some cities have brought back trolleys to serve as a transportation mode to see tourist attractions. But they are also put to an even more practical use by serving the transportation needs for those who work, play or live downtown. One of the biggest concerns in downtowns all across the country is parking. Many cities have parking decks downtown with plenty of available parking spaces, but they may not be conveniently located near other downtown destinations. Trolleys can be used to shuttle people from exisiting parking decks to other areas in the downtown district. Because parking decks take up so much land that could be used for other developments, this is a good alternative to building a number of parking facilities around the downtown area. Greensboro could start of with an east to west corridor situated along Market Street and Friendly Ave. This would be a great way to connect UNCG and Greensboro College to NC A&T University and Bennett College. Students could use the trolley system to commute to educational destinations downtown such as the proposed "Inter-University Center" or to commute to entertainment attractions in the evenings. Student housing could also be built along the trolley line. Fixed trolley lines typically spur mixed use development neary by and it would be a great way to help revitalize the East Market Street corridor. At some point in the future, there could be some possible federal money to fund a project like this and the system could be operated by a non-profit organization. Because Greensboro is known as a transportation hub, its important that the city have a number of alternative transportation modes to serve the public.

Action Greensboro just unveiled a plan for a 4 mile greenway loop around downtown Greensboro. The planned loop will take about 10 years to complete and will cost around 20 million dollars. The greenway will include bicycle and walking trails, outdoor class rooms, recreational facilities and more. Under utilized rails exist on part of the west side of the loop. One idea that could be included in the plan is using those rails for a gas generated trolley similar to generated trolley that is used in Charlotte's downtown historic South End neighborhood. Capital and operational cost would be very inexpensive. There would be no need to build a rail line because it already exists. All that is really needed is a vintage or vintage style trolley car and a maintenance barn. The trolley stops can simply have a sign and a bench or gardens can be built around them. A great name for the greenway trolley could be called "The Greensboro Grasshopper" because it would fit with the theme of a greenway, it is the name of our baseball team and it was also the name of Greensboro's trolley decades ago. "The Greensboro Grasshopper" could tie two major downtown developments together. The rail line is located 3 blocks west of the ballpark & the proposed Bellemeade Village. The track curves all the way to the South Elm/Lee Street site which is part of a major development plan that could include condos, townhomes, restaurants, shops, offices and entertainment options. Imagine taking the trolley to a dinner theater or night club at the South Elm/Lee Street development after an evening ballgame at First Horizon Park. The trolley would not only enhance Greensboro's nightlife but it would become a popular attraction among vistors and school children coming to downtown on field trips. It would also provide transportion for nearby residents who want to attend a ball game, shop downtown or head a restaurant and bar. The trolley line could eventually extend northwest of downtown for several miles giving residents in northwest Greensboro the option of taking a trolley downtown. The opportunties are endless!