A streetcar is a rail vehicle designed for transportation on city streets. It is similar to a tram or trolley, and runs on tracks that are usually embedded in the road surface. Streetcars have been used as an efficient means of public transportation since the late 19th century, particularly in North America and Europe. They were popular before the widespread use of automobiles and buses, but their usage has declined over time due to competition from these other modes of transportation. However, there is a resurgence of interest in streetcars as an eco-friendly alternative to private vehicles, with many cities investing in new streetcar systems or revitalizing existing ones.