Press release:
Council Approves Legislation for Streetcar Power Technology
Allows Aerial Streetcar Wires on H Street / Benning Road; Creates Clear Planning Process for Additional Segments
(Washington, DC) – On Tuesday, June 29, 2010, the Council of the District of Columbia approved emergency legislation to allow streetcars on H Street and Benning Road NE to move forward with an overhead wire power source and create a public process to approve the power source for other streetcar segments within the proposed system. The Council will vote on a permanent version of the legislation on July 13, 2010.
“This bill will allow the city to better connect our neighborhoods with the next generation of public transportation,” commented Wells.
In addition to allowing aerial wires to power streetcars on H Street and Benning Road NE, the legislation accomplishes several things:
* Repeals the 1888 and 1889 law and re-establishes the provisions as local law.
* Preserves the aerial wire ban in neighborhoods like historic Capitol Hill and Georgetown, and requires that the Mayor must develop subsequent segment plans, subject to review and Council approval, for the use of aerial wires for any additional streetcar routes with written evaluation to the visual impact on Historic Districts.
* Outlines clear prohibitions to powering streetcars by aerial wires in areas surrounding the National Mall and adjacent federal monuments.
* Requires the Mayor to submit a report to Council at regular intervals, on the feasibility of converting to non-aerial power where any aerial wiring has been installed.
* Creates authority for the Mayor -- and a process for public review -- to allow aerial wires deemed necessary to power streetcars beyond a strictly defined H Street and Benning Road NE segment.
“Today’s action brings local control and accountability to the District as it continues the development of the streetcar transportation system to better connect neighborhoods and support local economic development,” added Wells.
8 comments:
This is great news! What a huge step forward in revitalizing H st
When people see how NOT a big deal two, single wires are, this whole debate is going to seem silly
@Sandy
That's true only if you think that the wire opponents aren't really just streetcar opponents. They'll just complain about something else.
Reminds me of the Wisconsin Avenue Giant in Cleveland Park... the exception here being that while all this arguing is going on, the fact remains that supporters are winning: our new streetcar line is being built!
oooo wires, really risky big deal. Why don't they show some real guts and give the streetcars a devoted lane with no other vehicles allowed. Then they might actually run on time.
I wonder if City Council will have the guts to legislate that streetcars have the right of way, and issue a BIG fine if cars don't yeild.
oooo wires, really risky big deal. Why don't they show some real guts and give the streetcars a devoted lane with no other vehicles allowed. Then they might actually run on time.
First things first. Do you have any idea how easy it is to repaint some lane lines? Some folks will complain about anything.
Funny thing about trains. People tend to get out of their way.
Don't think an exclusive right of way for streetcars is necessary. Not saying the streetcars will never get stuck in traffic, but I'd expect them to move a lot faster than buses.
Anon 8:00 a.m.,
How often do you see MPD write traffic tickets? I have seen MPD officers stop and wait for cabs and others to complete illegal U-turns or pass double parked cars all the time. They have this notion that they have better things to do then enforce traffic laws. We laugh at Maryland and Virginia drivers in the District, but they drive like they do because they can get away with it.
Now, if they allowed Parking Enforcement to issue the tickets, I have no doubt people would clear out of the way.
D
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