Sunday June 15, 2008

Charlottesville City Council will hear a report Monday night on a trolley service that could cost taxpayers upwards of $70 million.

The three-mile streetcar system would run between downtown and Barracks Road, with a goal of easing vehicle congestion between the city and UVa.

City councilors say it's a good goal to have, but might not be the most cost-effective plan.

"I think it's something we need to make sure, as we move forward with Main Street, we don't preclude the chances of having a streetcar, in terms of decisions we make, but I'm not sure if it's something we can really afford to embark on at the moment," explained Councilor David Brown (D).

At Monday's meeting, Council is also expected to finalize the new utilities tax rate, as well as give final approval for increased fines for speeding on three of the city's streets.