57 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

Well I believe that the streetcar system was intended to eventually be color-coded.  The above logo with orange background referred to the South Lake Union streetcar line, and the First Hill streetcar was supposed to be in red.

[EvergreenRailfan]

And now that I see more of them, they simply look too bland.  I would expect them to be covered with some sort of advertising really soon, probably before they enter revenue service.

One car in the order was paid for by Amazon, for increased service in South Lake Union, so probably will be wrapped up in Amazon.com advertising.

[EvergreenRailfan]

I heard that testing would begin today (Friday).  I headed down early and my timing was good.  Actually the car wasn't being tested at that point--perhaps it was later--but this was rather a photo-op rollout for the mayor, city director of transportation and other dignitaries, who were onboard.  In the first photo the blue car is breaching the confines of the South Charles Street car barn and maintenance yard.  Next, it crosses South Dearborn Street.  It travels a little way north on 8th Avenue South, then stops.  Shortly afterward, it heads south back into the car maintenance yard. 

Thanks for the photos. I got to see it in the yard coming home from work Saturday night, one of the perks of the 97 shuttles to My. Baker station.

[KevinKorell]

One thing to think of with the outer appearance is the recent incident in Los Angeles with the Expo Line.  Even with the light rail vehicle wrapped with bright yellow and a warning in big black letters to WATCH THE TRAINS, there was still a crash with such force that it derailed the train.  So if they went with the solid light blue color there would be far less visibility on the streets.  These being streetcars it is even more important for drivers to know that they are there.

[CNJRoss]

Progressive Railroading, 5/21:

Seattle Streetcar tests battery-powered vehicles on First Hill Extension

 

Testing along the Seattle Streetcar's new First Hill Line continued earlier this week, when streetcars completed a low-speed test from the maintenance facility yard into downtown Seattle, according to the Seattle Department of Transportation.

 

The vehicles, which utilize a rechargeable battery system known as the on-board energy storage system, were able to operate on track with and without overhead wire.

 

Tests along the line began at the end of April, according to the department's blog.

 

Continue here.

Blog includes video.

[Sloan]

 

 

First Hill streetcars running another month behind

 

The First Hill Streetcar has fallen another month behind schedule, due to the complexity of Seattle’s new high-tech trains.

http://www.seattleti...r-month-behind/

[KevinKorell]

KING-TV, Channel 5 in Seattle, WA, 9/22/15:

 

Seattle's First Hill Streetcar delayed... again

 

The First Hill Streetcar may not run this year.

 

Seattle City Council member, and Seattle's Transportation chief both acknowledged the prospect Tuesday, after more problems have been discovered with the long-delayed project.

 

Here is the update.

[Lightning]

Very disappointing.  This from the Seattle Transit Blog along with some stinging comments.  By and by it will begin to run and my hope is that the memory of these "hiccups" (to say the least) will fade over time.  Then there is the planned connector along First Avenue downtown to join the two separate lines. (FH and SLU).  If the connector does not have its own dedicated lanes, there will be a revolt in the streets!

[KevinKorell]

Well again there is a prime example in the other Washington of a streetcar ready to go for months and yet not yet in service.  I hope Seattle's doesn't end up taking as long as DC's to get going.

[EvergreenRailfan]

I just hope it gets running soon, so it can prove it's worth. LINK had some ridership issues, but it overcame them. Tomorrow, KING COUNTY METRO routes, 76, 77, 216, 218, 219, and 316, routes that only run peak direction, peak hour, will return to surface running, so LINK can squeeze six minute headways.