Streetcars would impede fire ladder trucks

I’ve been reading your site and have agreed with the negative aspects being pointed out about the streetcar. One issue that I have not yet seen raised in any forum is the impact that the streetcars will have on the City’s fire service.

The city Bureau of Fire operates two ladder trucks. Truck 1 has a 75′ ladder and Truck 2 has a 95′ ladder. The catenary wires that will hang above the streetcar will likely prevent either of these apparatus from deploying their ladders anywhere along the streetcar’s route of travel. This will include areas such as the Convention Center itself and many of the city’s larger buildings.

Additionally, any traffic congestion along the route could significantly delay the response of fire and other emergency vehicles. Are the risks worth the reward?

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