The final safety test for the District of Columbia’s streetcar line in Northeast will start Wednesday with cars simulating service along the corridor without passengers, according to the D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT).
The test runs, called pre-revenue operation, are meant to prepare the streetcars for safety certification to carry passengers and will simulate service between H Street Northeast and Benning Road Northeast. That means more streetcars traveling along that route than in previous runs.
“Residents accustomed to the intermittent operation of streetcars during the run up to PRO will see a noticeable increase in activity along the corridor for the next three weeks,” DDOT said.
After those three weeks, DDOT said it could choose to extend the testing period if need be.
The full complement of streetcars will operate simulating normal service from early morning to late night in 15 minutes increments. The streetcars will generally be running from 6 a.m. to midnight, with hours extended to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. DDOT will also increase its distribution of safety information about the streetcars to businesses and residents along the corridor.
• Ryan M. McDermott can be reached at rmcdermott@washingtontimes.com.
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