A streetcar on 125th, running fare-free with transit signal priority and dedicated tram stops would crush the need for the expensive 125th Street Subway, and would lend more space for bikes and pedestrians through an elimination of regular traffic (except local deliveries, of course.) Not only would Harlem get the benefit of a stronger, faster, more affordable transit corridor through transit signal priority, stronger enforcement, and faster loading, we would be able to expand our public space without catering to gentrification. (A 125th Street Tram would only serve local residents, not connecting downtown or anything like that like the Q, although the benefits of transfers would still be there)

Truck loading would still be possible, allowing them to unload and make a right at the nearest street, and bike infrastructure would be built to protect both bike commuters (the number of which is expanding rapidly in the neighborhood) AND deliveristas.

All that would need to be built is the tracks and expanded bus/tram stations (buses would still serve the corridor, but would not have the capacity and some of the benefits of the tram.) Additionally, during the IBX rolling stock order or beforehand, 125th could use cars from the same order (or even be the testing ground for some of them!) I'm pretty sure we don't know yet if IBX cars will have street-level or platform-level boarding, but either way I'm sure there's a way we could make that work.

Depot could be located in a couple vacant lots, either around Park Av or on the west side near Manhattanville Depot.

Let me know everyone's thoughts.

We Need a Streetcar on 125th.