Thanks to James for sending “a pic of the last streetcar in service at the last stop (running westbound).”
We wrote the streetcar obituary yesterday but still wanted to post this for posterity.
Flashback to January 3, 2015 – Streetcar T Bones Car on H Street: (more…)
I’d be lying if I didn’t say this thing has been troubled since day one. Actually well before day one. And SOME folks really liked it. And had it been implemented differently this could’ve been an actual game changer. But for those who weren’t here in those days, the Streetcar buzz absolutely injected excitement and more life and certainly had an impact on H Street, NE’s revival. But there were troubles. OH there were troubles. But no need to kick someone when they’re down. So Streetcar – Farewell. Many miles of words were typed about you. You WILL be remembered. And who knows, maybe one day… (more…)
From an email:
“After nearly a decade rolling along H Street NE, the DC Streetcar is nearing its final stop. On Sunday, March 29, the public is invited to gather for “The Last Ride,” a send-off that leans into humor, nostalgia, and just a little bit of chaos.
Hosted at Gallery O on H from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the free event brings together neighbors, artists, and the streetcar-curious for an evening of live music, drinks, and the opportunity for questionable open mic eulogies. (more…)
Predicted: November 3rd, 2015: “Why the Streetcar will never work”.
The Washington Post’s Rachel Weiner with the big news:
“The DC Streetcar will be phased out after just a little over a decade in service — not much longer than it took to build. In its place Mayor Bowser promises a “next generation streetcar,” otherwise known as an electric bus.” (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
Please tell me you’ve seen this?”
Of course it’s hard to differentiate parody from reality with the streetcar…
Proverbially speaking of course. The Washington Post reports:
“The District is in a final dash to open its long-delayed and much-maligned streetcar project to passengers by year’s end, the city’s top transportation official said.”
Now word on the North/South Georgia Ave line…
A real typo from a North-South planning session in 2013.
“Dear PoPville,
I wanted to ask if you have any information on the Georgia Avenue streetcar. Is it just a myth that one will be coming our way? I live in North Petworth near Georgia, which is unequivocally remote, and a streetcar would be a boon for business and home values up on Georgia. I checked the website for the streetcar, but it doesn’t provide much information.”
hahahahha ah wait a second, wait a second. I’m sorry, I apologize – I’ve gathered myself. There was a time not that long ago where I’d say – 100% it will absolutely happen. However after the utter debacle of the H Street/Benning Road implementation I’m not so sure. What’s the expression: Fool me 500 times shame on me? Maybe if H Street/Benning starts carrying passengers and is an incredible success it might still happen. Though I should note that as recently as Feb. 2014 there were still active meetings to discuss “a 9-mile, North-South corridor that connects the Takoma/Silver Spring area to the Buzzard Point/Southwest Waterfront area.”
I figure, God willing, I have around 40 years left on this earth and I would not bet that a Georgia Ave Streetcar will be carrying passengers in my lifetime. It saddens me because I think it would’ve been great for north country and around the Walter Reed development – but based on recent experiences I’m not encouraged. I think gondolas will be flying into Georgetown before a streetcar is running on Georgia Ave. I would love to be wrong though! For it to happen I think there’d need to be a serious advocate at the highest levels of leadership. At this point I just don’t think an extensive streetcar line is a serious priority for the powers that be. Anyone think a Georgia Ave Streetcar Line will actually happen? In the next 40 years? What happens first – Georgia Ave Streetcar or DC Statehood?
Thanks to Christian Freymeyer for sending around 7:40pm.
@ravielem tweets us:
“@PoPville dc streetcar is now a choice in the next bus app. Sign that service will finally be starting soon?”
Also as others noted last month, the coming soon signs have been removed from the pylons too.
Ed. Note: At this point I feel like unless these things serve cold beer for a dollar out of vending machines that accept smarttrip – this could become the most anticlimactic new transit option since Smart Bike.
@timyowpa with the good eye tweets us:
“@DCStreetcar coming soon? Display boards on and testing.”
Who’s feeling 2015 will be the year for real?