Buses and streetcars both run on city streets in a similar manner. So why go to the trouble and expense of the construction of streetcars? There are in fact inherent differences that could make either one better or worse based on the circumstances.

Before we get started, let's discuss the one thing that isn't a fundamental difference that is the route of travel. Streetcars and buses are able to be, must, and will operate both in dedicated lanes as well as in traffic that is mixed with cars. When and where they operate can make a a huge difference to the effectiveness of a line, but that decision is not dependent on the vehicle. The goal of this list is to evaluate the different options, in which all other aspects are the same.

Streetcar advantages:

Streetcars are more efficient than buses.

Streetcars are longer, bigger, and can be combined into multi-car trains. They are able to carry more passengers than any bus and even accordion bus. For corridors with ridership too high for buses to manage comfortably but not enough to justify the need for a subway, streetcars could be a great option. Check it out to find out a knockout post about streetcar.

Streetcars are usually less expensive than buses in the long term.

While it's true that streetcars can be more expensive to build in the beginning, this cost can be offset by operational savings year-to year, if the line carries sufficient passengers. Streetcars' capacity is higher, which means that if there are many riders on a route, you can transport them with smaller vehicles. A smaller number of vehicles will result in an efficient use of fuel and fewer drivers to pay. Streetcars last longer than buses and can last for several decades. In the long run, streetcars can be more affordable on very popular routes.

Streetcar tracks ensure that riders are on the right route

Buses can be confusing in any large city. There are so many cross-roads routes that they can be confusing and difficult to grasp. For instance, DC's 16th Street has no fewer than five routes with two of them being labelled exactly the same way as S2 despite the different destinations. Since they don't want to be on the wrong bus, or end up far away from their destination, first-time customers are often discouraged. Streetcars must stay on the tracks so riders can be certain that their vehicle will arrive where they want.

Streetcars make a statement

Streetcars are costly to build therefore cities are unable to realistically put them on every route. Because streetcars are expensive to build, they can only be utilized on the most significant routes. Because the majority of people aren't able to remember the entirety of the confusing jumbled bus routes, it gives an easy proxy to help people find the best transportation routes. Streetcars are a simpler system map than the jumbled mess. Trains are, in turn, civic icons. Tourists often visit trains, take photos, and send postcards featuring images. This all helps to build a city's image. There is no doubt that frequent route networks and distinctive branding can provide certain benefits similar to streetcars, but buses are more powerful and noticeable icons.

Benefits of traveling by bus:

Buses tend to be less expensive. Buses are usually cheaper than streetcars and don't have to be constructed from scratch. This fact alone means buses are the ideal option for the majority of routes.

Buses are able to provide more services in more places. Since buses are generally cheaper than streetcars, cities can provide good transit service on several routes, going to several destinations, for the same price as comparable streetcar services on a single line. This is why every city in America makes use of buses rather than streetcars for the majority of its routes and only introduces streetcars at specific spots.

Buses are more flexible

Streetcars are required to travel via rails, making their routes carved in stone. This is both a blessing and a curse. It means that passengers will always know where their route takes them but it also means branches aren't practical and limit the size of an area transit can cover.

Buses may travel ahead

Buses may accelerate and overtake obstructions on streets that have multiple traffic lanes. Buses have the option of waiting for obstructions to be cleared before proceeding. This means that buses operating in mixed traffic will be more efficient than streetcars in the same traffic. This means buses with limited stops and express routes could operate in the same areas as long as they have all stops. This technically isn't an intrinsic distinction. Although streetcar lines can be constructed with multiple tracks and frequent crossovers it's practically impossible.