Streetcar ridership nose dive

Ridership on the $98 million project down 48 percent for first quarter of 2016

Ridership of Atlanta’s streetcar plunged during the first three months of 2016, falling 48 percent compared to the same time frame of 2015. The nose dive is even worse when just January and March are considered, with a 62-percent drop over the same two months last year.

The city instituted a $1 fare starting Jan. 1 after the making rides free for all of 2015. In addition to the new fare, a host of operational problems last year may have contributed to the steep decline in ridership, officials say.

For the entire story on streetcar ridership, along with a look back at the major issues the project faced in its first year, go to myAJC.com, or read Saturday's edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. And go here to see a video of residents answering the question: Is riding the street car worth a dollar?