Fare thee well

Proponents of a streetcar system through downtown and Over-the-Rhine better not count the change in the fare box just yet.

The $102 million plan announced earlier this week suggested that Duke Energy might be willing to pony up $20 million or so for the electrical grid to power the line. After all, it was reasoned, the street cars would be long-term high-paying electric customers.

It took Duke about a day and a half to say no to the idea. Spokesman Steve Brash says the company is willing to talk, but not about a $20 million gift.

I like the idea, but the planners will need to come up with some more specific numbers to attract the investors needed to make this train run on time.