In efforts to compete with the advancements in transportation made in cities around Tucson, such as Tempe and Scottsdale, Tucson has built its very own street car around the University of Arizona campus. 

The Sun Link Streetcar has taken several years of planning and discussion. Finally after a year of construction, it has finally made its debut this school year. The Sun Link Streetcar hopes that its services will offer students and other citizens a convenient way around Tucson, at an affordable price. 

After riding the streetcar myself, I learned a little bit more about how the process works. As you boards the streetcar at one of its many stops scattered around popular areas of Tucson, you are expected to ring in their pass at a electronic check in, then sit on one of the many seats available or stand and hold on to the overhead support. From personal experience, the streetcar itself was clean, efficient and on time for pickup. The staff and overhead map were both very helpful. 

With that being said, I've heard both positive and negative comments about Tucson's new attraction. Although it seems streetcars are quite the current controversy among Tucson citizens, it is likely, in my opinion, that their presence will save the average University of Arizona student large amounts of money yearly. 

It's actually cheaper to purchase a Streetcar yearly pass than a parking pass around campus for the year. If you're a student, the UA pays 50 percent of your annual streetcar fair. This means that, while the annual price of the pass is $413, students only pay $189 for a yearly pass with unlimited rides on the streetcar. This is compared to the average parking pass on campus, let's say in Main Gate or Tyndall garage, each of which cost about $600 for two semesters. With the streetcar as an option for transportation, those who bring a car from their home to the UA may not have to anymore. This would not only save money in parking, but also gas for an entire year. 

On the other hand, there have been several complaints by the bikers of the community due to the tracks of the streetcar being a dangerous obstacle to avoid in their everyday route. The tracks to the streetcar are deep crevices in the road, just about the perfect size for an average bike tire to slip into. The problem is, when a biker's tire gets suck in these ridges and the rider tries to turn their wheel, the bike aggressively stops, sending its rider flying over the handle bars. I have seen this happen firsthand and it is extremely difficult for the bikers to avoid these cracks when they're virtually on every main street. This new addition to the Tucson area is now even more a reason for all bikers to always wear a helmet.

Although both positive and negative comments have risen from the new streetcar, it is important to keep advances like these up and coming in Tucson. Tucson is the body that holds our heart, the University of Arizona, tight inside of it, and we want to make sure we are technologically up-to-date.