[PRCo] DC Streetcar

Sun Dec 22 13:08:58 EST 2013

Some 10-12 years ago there was a email discussion concerning prohibition of overhead trolley wires in D.C. and the recollection is that it was a local decision, not a federal requirement.  Seems like an email string I'd save, but don't know where???  In the internet world, a dozen years ago seems like an eternity. 

> From: hrbran at cavtel.net
> Date: Sun, 22 Dec 2013 12:53:52 -0500
> To: pittsburgh-railways at mailman.dementix.org
> Subject: Re: [PRCo] DC Streetcar
> 
> Interesting is the fact that the reasons (dreamed up by Capital Transit in
> 1947) for conversion of the Benning Road service from streetcar to bus were
> first, the fact that during rush hour periods the service frequency had to
> be less than 60-seconds between cars. These lines (Rosslyn-Kenilworth;
> Washington Circle-Seat Pleasant; Washington Circle-Kenilworth Junction;
> 15th & New York-Kenilworth Junction; and Potomac Park-Seat Pleasant)
> required the use of a "plow pit" at the interface between conduit and
> overhead operation. The changeover from conduit to overhead and vice
> versatook an even 60-seconds and could not be
> speeded up using Capital Transit methods (London (UK) accomplished this
> faster than 60-seconds) Therefore headways could not be less than
> 60-seconds. Buses were the answer. Second, eastbound cars at 15th & New
> York Avenue were being delayed do to heavy traffic and the fact that
> streetcar movements at that intersection caused missed opportunities for
> cars to go on their proper routes. Streetcars were always backed up two or
> more blocks waiting for a green light to go their respective ways at 15th &
> New York. Third, traffic congestion along Benning Road was increasing and
> those two lanes of streetcar track would make more room for autos. Now,
> nearly 70 years later, suddenly traffic is no longer a concern for the
> operation of streetcars on Benning Road.
> 
> Not to mention that the new Washington streetcar system uses overhead wire,
> hanging above the streets, inside the District of Columbia. I supposed that
> this took "an act of Congress" to allow overhead wire in D.C.
> 
> I'm glad the streetcars are coming back, however, why did they have to go
> in the first place?
> 
> 
> On Sun, Dec 22, 2013 at 11:47 AM, John Swindler <j_swindler at hotmail.com>wrote:
> 
> >
> >
> > Benning Road from front of tour bus during recent TRB meeting.  About half
> > the span wires were in place, but no contact wire.  Work was underway at
> > turnback near Union Station.  Grading completed no construction yet on
> > carbarn at east end of the line.  A stated purpose is to help revitalize a
> > run-down area.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > Date: Sun, 22 Dec 2013 16:00:29 +0000
> > > From: bobrathke at comcast.net
> > > To: pittsburgh-railways at mailman.dementix.org
> > > Subject: Re: [PRCo] DC Streetcar
> > >
> > > An interesting animation teaching people the things we learned from
> > parents and friends in the "old" streetcar era. Attached are a couple of
> > photos I took in Georgetown on 11/3/78. I had thought that the sign was a
> > remnant of the streetcar days in D.C., but it may have been posted later to
> > warn bicyclists of the rail that was still in the street 16 years after
> > trolleys ended in the District.
> > >
> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > >
> > > From: "DF Cramer" <alto_trombone at hotmail.com>
> > > To: pittsburgh-railways at mailman.dementix.org
> > > Sent: Sunday, December 22, 2013 6:26:15 AM
> > > Subject: [PRCo] DC Streetcar
> > >
> > >
> > http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post/21163/watch-ddots-beautifully-animated-streetcar-video/
> > >
> > > We now have to teach people how to react.
> > >
> > > Dennis F. Cramer
> > > http://home.windstream.net/dfc1/
> > >
> > >
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> 
> 
> -- 
> Herb Brannon
> 
> 
> *In Pittsburgh.............................A City And.........A State of
> Mind *
> Let's Go Pens
> Let's Go Steelers
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