Electric Street Car Feasibility Study

Location:	Maryland
Posted:	Apr 7, 2026
Due:	May 29, 2026
Agency:	the Resilience Authority
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	B - Special Studies and Analyses - Not R&D
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

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Request for Proposals

Main Street/West Street Corridor Electric Streetcar Feasibility Study

Released February 11, 2026 ~ Proposals Due March 31, 2026 May 29, 2026

Photo Credit: Annapolis Railroad History

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY OF ANNAPOLIS, ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, AND

THE DENKER FOUNDATION,

THE RESILIENCE AUTHORITY OF ANNAPOLIS AND ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

REQUESTS PROPOSALS FOR A FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR AN ELECTRIC

STREETCAR SYSTEM IN THE MAIN STREET/WEST STREET CORRIDOR IN

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND.

PROPOSALS DUE by 5:00 PM (EST) MARCH 31, 2026 MAY 29, 2026

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION:

Name: The Resilience Authority of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, Inc.

Address: 44 Calvert Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401

Contact Person(s): Kristina Alexander, Director of Operations

Phone: (410) 222-1442 Email: exalex23@aacounty.org

1. Introduction:

1.1. Statement of Purpose:

1.1.1.

The Resilience Authority of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (Resilience Authority)

invites proposals from experienced firms for a feasibility study to install an electric

streetcar system for the Main Street/West Street Corridor with a preference for a fixed rail

historic replica system. This initiative aims to expand mass transit in the region, facilitate

equitable and restorative transit-oriented redevelopment, including affordable housing,

foster economic growth and tourism, and provide connectivity within Annapolis, Anne

Arundel County, and the surrounding region. An overarching goal is to provide a clean

transportation choice and viable alternative to automobile travel that mitigates the

impacts of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

1.1.2.

The study shall also include an alternatives analysis of alternative modes of

transportation in the Main Street/West Street Corridor (e.g., pedestrian and bike trails,

Bus Rapid Transit).

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1.1.3.

This project will require demonstrated expertise in planning, engineering, project

implementation, economic analysis, environmental review, data collection and analysis,

stakeholder engagement, and other necessary tasks associated with developing a

feasibility study for a streetcar system powered by battery systems and possibly catenary

systems on West Street with a preference for a fixed rail historic system.

1.1.4.

Organizations are advised that the Resilience Authority will not pay for any information or

administrative costs incurred in response to this RFP. All costs associated with

responding to this RFP will be solely at the organization’s expense.

1.2. Background:

1.2.1.

Annapolis has a historic legacy of streetcar service that once connected downtown along

West Street and Main Street. The system was an important part of the City’s

transportation network and community identity in the early 20th century. This feasibility

study seeks to explore whether a modern electric streetcar, inspired by that historic

legacy, could once again serve as both a functional mobility option, an economic

development tool, and a resilient cultural asset for the City.

1.2.2.

In July 2021, Anne Arundel County and Annapolis, MD passed legislation to establish the

Country’s first multi-jurisdictional climate resilience financing authority. The Resilience

Authority of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County will finance projects that support

resilience efforts within the County and the City. The Authority’s investments and

activities will support those projects that directly mitigate climate threats.

1.2.3.

In 2009, the City of Annapolis commissioned a major study to analyze mass transit in the

Annapolis area and recommend improvements. That study, the 2009 West Street Transit

Study, was performed by Kittelson & Associates and The Faux Group, in partnership with

the Maryland Transportation Authority, Maryland State Highway Administration,

Annapolis Transit and Anne Arundel County. It identified the Main-West St. corridor, from

City Dock to Parole, as the primary thoroughfare and best candidate for high-quality

transit development. Most of the study is devoted to comparing bus service

improvements to a streetcar system for that route. While acknowledging the advantages

of streetcars, the study concluded that, based on the housing unit density, Annapolis

lacked the density and ridership to justify the cost of rail in 2009, but recommended that

streetcars be reconsidered in the future. The study recommended that the project

stakeholders should develop a detailed plan to make permanent investments in West

Street transit, informed by the mode-specific decisions coming from the Outer West

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Street Plan and the Transit Feasibility Assessment & Investment Strategy, and any Parole

plan updates refining the scale of development and supporting transportation system.

Study authors specifically recommended assessing an upgrade of the West Street route

to fixed-rail.

1.2.4.

In addition to addressing local mobility needs, the study should consider the potential for

an electric fixed‑rail streetcar system in Annapolis to serve as a future connection point

within Maryland’s broader transit network. While the immediate focus is on feasibility

within the City, long‑term opportunities for integration with regional systems—such as the

Washington Metro, MARC, Baltimore Light Rail, and potential regional ferry service—are

important to explore. Positioning Annapolis as a node within the state’s transportation

framework could enhance ridership potential, strengthen funding opportunities, and

ensure the system contributes to a more interconnected regional transit landscape.

1.2.5.

The focus area of the study should begin in downtown Annapolis in the City Dock area,

traversing Main Street and West Street and examine potential termination points and the

establishment of an operations and maintenance facility near Park Place (approximately

1 mile) or continuing up West Street with termination at the Parole Transit Center

(approximately 3 miles) where a transportation hub is planned. The focus area traverses

the Annapolis Historic District, the Annapolis Arts & Entertainment District, and numerous

diverse established neighborhoods. Annapolis is experiencing shifting development

patterns that may influence the feasibility of an electric streetcar system. Main and West

Street are marked by stretches of retail, restaurants, professional offices, and residential

areas, including some affordable housing. The Parole area is designated for increased

density and mixed‑use growth, positioning it as a potential anchor for future ridership and

transit-oriented redevelopment. In addition, the City is exploring restorative

redevelopment opportunities in historically disinvested neighborhoods, such as the Old

Fourth Ward, with a focus on equitable outcomes. These redevelopment efforts are

expected to include the addition of new housing units—particularly more affordable

housing. Aligning transit feasibility with land use, density, and equitable housing

strategies will be critical to ensuring that an electric streetcar system supports both

mobility and community resilience.

1.2.6.

This feasibility study is being undertaken within the broader context of Annapolis’ and

Anne Arundel County’s resilience goals. As the City and County face challenges from

climate change, sea level rise, and infrastructure vulnerability, transportation planning

must be aligned with long‑term resilience strategies. An electric streetcar system has the

potential to contribute to these goals by reducing dependence on single‑occupancy

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vehicles, supporting compact and transit‑oriented redevelopment, and providing a

reliable, low‑emission mobility option. The study should therefore evaluate the system’s

role in advancing resilience—considering lifecycle environmental impacts, electrification

options (including non‑catenary systems where required), and strategies to ensure

operational and financial sustainability under future climate and economic conditions.

2. Project Overview:

2.1. Project Goals :

2.1.1. Enhance Public Transit Options: Evaluate and recommend viable transit solutions that

are clean, quiet, reliable, and appealing, as well as improve connectivity and accessibility

for residents and visitors within the Main Street/West Street Corridor and potentially

serve as a trigger for development of a greater regional system.

2.1.2.

Support Economic Development: Identify transportation options that encourage

economic growth and development, particularly of low to moderate income housing in

underdeveloped or underserved areas. Assess potential for increased commercial

activities and property values along the transit corridor.

2.1.3.

Restorative Redevelopment: Enable Restorative redevelopment of historically

marginalized communities (such as the Old Fourth Ward), redevelopment of

under-utilized property in the vicinity of the corridor into a mixed use transportation

center, and revitalization/transformation of the West Street corridor to include more

housing choices.

2.1.4.

Improve Multi-Modal Connectivity: Develop strategies for integrating a streetcar system

with existing transit services, including the planned Parole Transit Center, pedestrian

pathways, and active transportation such as bicycle and sidewalk infrastructure, creating

a seamless transit network. Provide transportation choice along the corridor by

transforming the street into a multi-modal complete street with bike lanes, fixed rail,

improved sidewalks, and car lanes.

2.1.5.

Maximize Ridership: Assess potential for maximizing ridership on fixed rail and

non-automobile mobility options and optimize transit efficiency along this route by

developing ways to achieve behavior change and generate needed ridership, outlining

necessary components for reliability and dependability to ensure efficient and sustainable

operations.

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This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

Electric Street Car Feasibility Study

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See also