Video of How El Pasoans Used the Streetcar to Cross the Border

The streetcar is a very polarizing topic amongst El Pasoans. Some love it and believe that it's a great contribution to the city; others hate it and believe it was a waste of taxpayers money.

Nonetheless, the streetcar was brought back to life in 2018 in all it's glory- and while it has had a rocky journey for the past two years, I hear it's a great way to explore the city. I haven't had the opportunity to ride it, seeing as how the pandemic had it shut down for awhile- but I do look forward to checking it out soon.

Once upon a time, though, the streetcar was the most beloved thing in the Sun City; it was especially loved because it was a great mode of transportation between El Paso and our sister city Juarez.

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From 1950 until 1973, the El Paso streetcar system ran President’s Conference Committee (PCC) streetcars, with a sleek Art Deco design that would transport locals back and forth from Juarez to El Paso. The streetcar may not go across the border these days, but many have some fond memories of riding the PCC and crossing into Juarez to do their shopping, eating and sightseeing. Here's what it might have looked like:

These days, there are six of the original PCC streetcars that run from Downtown El Paso through UTEP. Complete with modern day conveniences like wheelchair ramps, WiFi and bicycle racks- the streetcars somehow still have a hint of nostalgia. While it's not the streetcar many remember, I'm sure hopping on one of them would bring back memories for many.