St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Line

St. Charles Avenue, Lee Circle to Carrollton Avenue
New Orleans, LA

Submitted by: Nina Dunbar

Historic avenue, greenway and transportation corridor

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Why It Works

The St. Charles line is a visual and functional highlight in a city known for its uniqueness. This broad, oak-lined avenue and historic trolly line connects the French Quarter and buisness districts to the city's uptown neighborhoods. Historic homes compliment this lush green ribbon through the city. It is constantly used by joggers, school children and downtown commuters. During Mardi Gras, it serves as a grand playground and parade route for visitors and residents alike.

What Makes St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Line a Great Place?

See above.

It makes an unforgettable first (and lasting) impression. It is used by young and old, men and women, rich and poor. It is clean, green, and (usually) well maintained. The constant slow-moving traffic along the narrow lanes of the avenue along with the constant presence of streetcars makes this area feel safe in a city known for its crime problem. Vehicles are a prominent part of St.Charles Avenue, but the scale of the landscape, open space and surrounding homes minimizes the impact of this important corridor.

The broad green median is a regular jogging path and hub for groups waiting for the streetcar.

It is a friendly place, given that it is not intended to serve as a park or gathering space.

Related Links:

  • Regional Transit - Information about the history, and the route of teh St. Charles Avenue Street Car line.

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User Comments:

12/30/02 Deena Parham said:
I had the pleasure of living on St. Charles Avenue for a couple of years, and the most fascinating sounds always came from the streetcars. The brakes used to make a clicking sound, and the slow humm of the engine was very soothing. The streetcar became a rather intimate and familiar experience to me, as I would know many of the drivers by name, and often while walking down the street under the majestic live oaks, they would chime the streetcar bells and wave hello!! The sight of the streetcar was a gentle reminder of the past of New Orleans, and its elegant and decadent present.

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