09 Feb 2011

Reader Poll: Streetcars

It seems as though any time streetcars come up, there is no shortage of opinions from everyone in — and out — of our neighborhood.  So time to weigh in on the proposed line for 8th Street.  As Tim’s post last week mentioned, some are suggesting that moving the line further east may be a better idea.  While the city is looking to restore the historic 8th Street line, the Committee of 100 suggested the 19th Street area to connect Reservation 13 with Benning Road.  Meanwhile, a reader made an argument for the 11th Street Bridge up Potomac Avenue to Potomac Avenue Metro, then up 15th Street to H Street NE.  So what do you think is best?

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7 responses to “Reader Poll: Streetcars”

  1. Katie says:

    Either way, a streetcar would do wonders to bring in private development, more shops and restaurants and so on. I like the reader suggestion, mainly because H street is currently tough to access without car, and even the 90’s bus lines run down 8th while much of the development is more east than that. To get there I currently bike, because walking home late night currently doesn’t feel safe for this single gal. Love the streetcar idea!

  2. committee against progress says:

    The 19th st proposal could have merit, but attaching it to the Committee of 100 immediately puts a strike against it.

    How about an expose on this shadowy bunch of busybodies which answers to nobody yet sees fit to weigh in on nearly every issue on the Hill?

  3. Wes says:

    Save for Barracks Row 8th is too narrow. If a streetcar line ends up being built on the Hill, maybe 11th/Potomac/19th/C-NE/17th (or 15th?)/Benning….This would connect several metro stops and run the street car along much wider streets.

  4. ET says:

    I like the 11th plan because getting I think it might move people along more easterly especially at H St. – if that made any sense.

  5. T says:

    8th SE/NE originally had streetcars – it’s certainly wide enough for them again. The great thing about that route is that it connects existing activity centers, and it’s a straight shot from Florida down to Barracks Row. Any turns or deviations from a straight route are expensive and more complicated for riders.

    Plus, it will cut through H Street right in the middle, making it useful for riders on the West and East sides of the street.

    Streetcars are narrower and quieter than buses, and so if this line replaces some of the 90 series buses, then it would help to make 8th Street quieter and safer.

  6. Alex B. says:

    8th Street is not too narrow. 8th Street had streetcars on it many moons ago, and it should have them again.

    I would support an additional North-South connection along 19th as well, as a means to help spur development of Reservation 13, but such a line would be in addition to 8th Street, not a replacement for it.

    The 19th street (ish) line would likely slide over along Potomac Ave at the southern end and connect via 11th Street to the 11th Street Bridge, which will also have streetcars. On the north end, the connection up to H/Benning would be fantastic. This would immediately connect Reservation 13 to the rest of the city in ways it never has before, and that’s a huge opportunity.

  7. Thom says:

    No need to keep your opinions confined to this blog. Go right to the source!

    This online survey, slated for closing Friday, still seems to be open. Tell D-Dot what you want or don’t want when it comes to streetcars.

    http://www.dcstreetcar.com/1122011.html

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