All Aboard!
Historic New Orleans streetcars have finally returned to the same grand boulevard they’ve traveled since 1835. High winds from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 whipsawed the trolley’s overhead lines and crews have been working to systematically restore the system. It resumed service down St. Charles Avenue to just past Napolean Avenue, less than 2 miles from Tulane University. The streetcar is scheduled to resume its stop in front of Tulane in spring 2008. It is currently running in the downtown and north Carrolton areas. Crowds and a marching band welcomed the streetcars back to the avenue on a sunny afternoon on Saturday, November 10. New Orleanians and tourists stood along the route to cheer on its return. Passing cars honked their horns and people waved posters and banners to celebrate the homecoming. The Warren Easton High School Marching Band heralded the event with mardi gras music, and the crowd danced along the avenue. Only in New Orleans.