I grew up in Philadelphia (summers in Lancaster) where I rode the trolleybus to the subway, and rarely had to ride a bus.

Once on busses, I was amazed and dismayed by the noise and jerking due to acceleration-some of which, admittedly, was due to driver style.
Electric motors/vehicles are much quieter and smoother (and faster) when accelerating.
If you have to ask this question, it is likely you haven't ridden many modern streetcar/light rail systems, or had to ride a packed bus standing up every day!
And again, there is a presumption of permanence, which is in theory supposed to entice developers, whereas bus routes and riders generally have a negative connotation.

Thanks for stating this. I try to every few months work it into a post, but its nice to hear others state it!
Most other "cities" of 50-70,000 are just overgrown suburbs that yes, have jobs and shopping, but not much "THERE"-sense of Place.

"Just a question!

What does a trolley do that a bus running the same route can't?" LT Taxpayer Very good question. More busses on more routes would be much easier to do. Can't seem to procure financing for that though, so let's attempt something even more specialized.Forward thinking, to follow the dubious lead of other muni's? I am surprised not to have heard "monorail" yet. A trolley to the airport? For whom? No commercial service. A business man checks out of his suite at the CC. Hops on a streetcar to connect with his private plane flight. Sounds like part of the plot of a bad comedy movie. I do agree the city needs better mass transit.

Of course we have no commercial service at the airport; with our current infrastructure and lack of reasons to come, what else would you expect. But that doesn’t mean better transit to the airport would not change that. First you need a reason for people to come to Lancaster (convention center, tourism, new businesses). Then you also need an easy way for people who don’t have their personal vehicle to get around. Renting a car is expensive transportation. And the more people we can attract, the more money (and taxes) come in from the outside. That’s a good thing. We already know that our status quo can not accomplish this.
I love hopping the train to NY City and then buy a day pass to get around. I never have to worry about driving or parking. It has actually made visiting NY City a fun event that my wife and I look forward to. we do it several weekends a year for a short weekend getaway.
By the way, your business man scenario isn’t that bad or off the mark. I have made several trips without a rental. It soooo liberating. I have also made several trips with a rental and all of the hassles that go with it. I always try to get someone else to take the rental. If Lancaster can create the same environment, our intrepid travelers will want to return.

<h1 align="center"> The Simpsons - Monorail </h1>

Lyle Lanley: Well, sir, there's nothing on earth
Like a genuine,
Bona fide,
Electrified,
Six-car
Monorail!
What'd I say?
Ned Flanders: Monorail!
Lyle Lanley: What's it called?
Patty+Selma: Monorail!
Lyle Lanley: That's right! Monorail!
[crowd chants `Monorail' softly and rhythmically]
Miss Hoover: I hear those things are awfully loud...
Lyle Lanley: It glides as softly as a cloud.
Apu: Is there a chance the track could bend?
Lyle Lanley: Not on your life, my Hindu friend.
Barney: What about us brain-dead slobs?
Lyle Lanley: You'll be given cushy jobs.
Abe: Were you sent here by the devil?
Lyle Lanley: No, good sir, I'm on the level.
Wiggum: The ring came off my pudding can.
Lyle Lanley: Take my pen knife, my good man.
I swear it's Springfield's only choice...
Throw up your hands and raise your voice!
All: Monorail!
Lyle Lanley: What's it called?
All: Monorail!
Lyle Lanley: Once again...
All: Monorail!
Marge: But Main Street's still all cracked and broken...
Bart: Sorry, Mom, the mob has spoken!
All: Monorail!
Monorail!
Monorail!
[big finish]
Monorail!
Homer: Mono... D'oh!