A new D.C. streetcar plan was presented Tuesday to the D.C. Council for approval, according to DDOT. Under the plan, the streetcars will make their debut in the spring of 2012.
At least that's the plan as of now, barring any more unforeseen cuts in funding or other budget surprises.
Two streetcar lines are already being constructed, including one on H Street/Benning Road, and this new plan lays out how additional extensions will be created. DDOT says it is attempting to get $110 million in federal funding for streetcar extensions.
The initial streetcars will create 200 jobs, DDOT says. This number could go up to as many as 700 by the completion of the entire DC streetcar system, says DDOT.
DDOT says it envisions eventually having a 37-mile, eight-line streetcar system that would provide service across the city. The first streetcars will be powered using overhead wires, with the eventual goal of a wireless system.
Streetcars have been out of use in the District for 50 years.
