Sound Transit to run streetcars on First Hill

From Mike Harbour, Deputy CEO, Sound Transit

Testing on the Sound Transit-funded First Hill Streetcar line is now underway. Testing began late last week with a ride and media tour of the new streetcar maintenance facility.

We're very interested in the streetcar project. While the Seattle Department of Transportation is managing the design, construction and operation of the two-mile line, Sound Transit paid $132 million for the project using Sound Transit 2 dollars. Once it begins carrying passengers later this summer, the streetcar will offer great new access to Link and Sounder trains as well as ST Express buses.

The streetcar will run from Capitol Hill to First Hill, the International District and Pioneer Square with trains arriving at stations about every 10 minutes during peak periods. Trains will run from 5am to 1am Monday through Saturday and 10am to 8pm on Sundays and holidays.

Testing over the next several months includes low-speed streetcar operation on the route to test train signals and switches, training of operators and maintenance staff and emergency response drills.