Even with a destroyed city, many areas still vacant, a major shortfall in cash flow, and a generally stagnant area, New Orleans Streetcar service vastly surpasses Portland's as I've mentioned time and time again.  Why does a city that is known for its insurmountable corruption, below sea level, hurricane abused land, and generally termultous lifestyle have vastly better streetcar service?

From the excerpt of the RTA (Regaional Transit Authority) of New Orleans.

On December 23, 2007, the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will extend service from Napoleon Avenue to the end of historic St. Charles Avenue (the “Riverbend”).
Locals and tourists alike will be able to enjoy a ride down the entire length of New Orleans’ celebrated St. Charles Avenue.

Eight streetcars are assigned to the route with additional ones available as needed.

Streetcar service will run between Canal Street and the Riverbend seven days a week to midnight. Cars will operate every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekdays. As before Hurricane Katrina, the main boarding point will be Carondelet at the intersection of Canal Street. The regular fare of $1.25 will be charged.

RTA officials urge motorists and pedestrians to be alert of the streetcars. RTA is reminding everyone to watch for streetcars on the line. For example, before turning left at any corner on St. Charles Avenue, look both ways for oncoming streetcars. Joggers should also be cognizant that the streetcars will once again be traveling down the neutral ground. Remember the streetcars always have the right of way.

On the Canal Street line, which has been back in service for some time now, they run 7 minute head ways!

All this and they've paid far less per mile, and less than half per streetcar.  The Canal Street line also carries over 2x as many people, ranging in the 20k plus per year range.  My question remains, where is Portland going with its streetcars, and why is Portland spending so damn much on something that isn't much more than a bus.

I guarantee that Portland could do this for about 1/2 to 1/3 of what they've been doing it for.  But I digress, as long as only a minority of people know about this absurdity nothing will ever be done about it.

Oregonian, Portland Tribune?  Anyone want to write up an article on this?  Anyone want to print up an article I'd love to write up?