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Is Minneapolis On Fast Track For Streetcars?

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- When you think of streetcars, you might think of places like San Francisco or New Orleans. But now the city of Minneapolis wants to drive this old world idea into our 20th century reality.

On Tuesday, the City Council will take its first vote on a plan to add streetcars into the heart of downtown.

The plan would invest $200 million into a new streetcar line along Nicollet and Central Avenues.

Mayor R.T. Rybak and every current DFL candidate for mayor is on board for the plan.

Opponents say the cost for the project is just too high, that the idea is "bizarre" and "irresponsible," and that the current light rail and bus routes are good enough.

A final vote on the project could come as early as next week and construction could start in 2016.

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