D.C. Streetcar Testing Begins With First Car's Arrival

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The arrival of the first streetcar in the District of Columbia in half a century is drawing attention this weekend as testing begins for the new streetcar line on H Street.

A 66-foot-long streetcar arrived Friday night and was placed on the steel track. Some people gathered to snap pictures. By Sunday, engineers were conducting tests and found some issues with the overhead lines that will power the streetcar. They were making repairs Sunday morning.

Further tests are planned for this week.

District transportation officials are planning to extend the H Street line west to Georgetown and east to the Minnesota Avenue and Benning Road Metro stations. Officials say the district is committing about $400 million for the line to reach Georgetown. A broader streetcar network also is planned.

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