Find Posts By Topic

First Hill Streetcar Testing Moving Along

A milestone for the First Hill Streetcar as it took to the streets under battery power for the first time during tests last week. Crews conducted on-street testing from the Streetcar Maintenance Facility north along 8th Avenue South from South Dearborn to South King Street.

Here is a brief video of the Testing.

First Hill Streetcar leaving facility under battery power.

First Hill Streetcar leaving facility under battery power.

The testing of off-wire operation by the streetcar is powered by the rechargeable battery system, known as the On-Board Energy Storage System (OESS). When operating on the First Hill Streetcar line, the streetcars will be powered by the OESS on each inbound trip from Capitol Hill to Pioneer Square (2.5 miles). The batteries will be recharging whenever the streetcar is braking, and will also recharge on the outbound trip from Pioneer Square to Capitol Hill, while being powered from the overhead wires (known as the Overhead Contact System, or OCS).

Streetcar traveling on 8th Avenue South to South King Street.

Streetcar traveling on 8th Avenue South to South King Street.

Streetcar Map

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The First Hill Streetcar is an important link in the regional transit system, and connects the diverse and vibrant residential neighborhoods and business districts of Capitol Hill, First Hill, Yesler Terrace, Central Area, Chinatown ID and Pioneer Square. For more on the streetcar please visit: www.seattlestreetcar.org.