Several projects are in the planning stages, many of them on the West Coast. Although funding is once again a common hurdle, with financial support hinging on tight application deadlines, transit agencies are pushing ahead.

Because Everett Transit only serves residents to the city line, the new BRT line will bridge transit service across Everett and south Snohomish County, eliminating an intersection where riders literally have to get off one bus, cross the street and get on another bus.

Costing $69 each way, the new Steel City Flyer service between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg launched successfully in November.

As numerous cities are looking to reap the benefits of implementing streetcar systems, such as urban redevelopment and enhancing pedestrian mobility, many face hurdles when it comes to qualifying for Small Starts funding. Portland and Seattle serve as models for other cities looking to build projects without federal help.