DC Streetcar Update

Last night, District Department of Transportation Director Gabe Klein and Chief of Staff Scott Kubly held a public meeting on DC’s streetcar project at the Atlas theater on H Street.

Although it appears DC government is still committed to advancing the streetcar project, Klein could not give a timeline or estimated costs.

One of the areas of dispute for advancing streetcar installation is the potential power source. The simplest way to power streetcars is with a thin overhead wire connected to a pole on the streecar.  While this wire system would be unobtrusive and nearly invisible, the National Capital Planning Commission objects to its use and wants an alternative power system installed on at least parts of the route. DDOT is considering a dual power option.

The current comprehensive plan places the first streetcar route from Anacostia, over the 11th street bridge, along H Street and Benning Road, ending downtown on the K Street transitway. Other routes and possible alignments with Union Station are still being discussed, but DDOT has a general idea of where they’d like the streetcars placed.

For more information on the meeting read Greater Greater Washington’s post on it, as well as Streetcars 4 DC.

Photo Credit: Flickr CC Useradamscarroll