[PRCo] DC Streetcar

[Derrick Brashear]

In reading about the Potomac Yard linear park that just opened I ran into
info about the DC streetcar and overhead wires.

Here, have the legal opinions from the current line about the old laws.

http://hbx.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/ddot/publication/attachments/dcs_systemplan_oct2010_appendix_p.pdf



On Mon, Dec 23, 2013 at 11:42 AM, PC <pcc_sr at yahoo.com> wrote:

> You always post such nice summaries Mr.Brannon.  From the post by
> Mr.Brashear it seems 'an act of congress' is the original reason for ban on
> overhead in the city isn't it.  In those days buses had significantly less
> capacity than trolleys let alone lower acceleration and power and could
> still queue at bus stops.  While buses are able to pull around one another
> in theory it is a little more difficult in practice isn't it.  Safety is an
> issue with people running to catch a bus along with other vehicle traffic.
>  If the facts were known I seriously doubt buses did better and most likely
> were slower than the cars weren't they.
>
> Did you see the system Mr.Brannon?  I was able to ride and was impressed
> with the speeds, especially on the street under wire.  I was there only a
> few times but I am glad I had the opportunity.
>
>
> Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
>
>
> PC
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------
> On Sun, 12/22/13, Herb Brannon <hrbran at cavtel.net> wrote:
>
>  Subject: Re: [PRCo] DC Streetcar
>  To: "Western PA Trolley discussion" <
> pittsburgh-railways at mailman.dementix.org>
>  Date: Sunday, December 22, 2013, 9:53 AM
>
>  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 versa took 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 due 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?
>
>
>
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