The Committee of 100

DC Streetcars

Transportation

In 2009, DDOT unveiled a proposed 37-mile DC streetcar system and stated its goals to:

Link neighborhoods with a modern, convenient and attractive transportation alternative;
Provide quality service to attract and reach new transit ridership;
Offer a broader range of transit options for District residents;
Reduce short inner-city auto trips, parking demand, traffic congestion and air pollution; and
Encourage economic development and affordable housing options along streetcar corridors.

The Committee of 100 supports a well-planned streetcar system. We have testified on several occasions before Council calling on DDOT to develop a realistic financial and governance plan for the system, and urging adoption of a state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly wireless technology to preserve visual quality, not only for national monuments but also for neighborhood boulevards. In the temporary legislation for streetcars, Council adopted several of the Committee's recommendations.

On Sept. 28, 2010, DDOT announced selection of a program management team “….to ensure the successful design, construction, and operation of the streetcar system across the District of Columbia.” We welcome their expertise in tackling the tough -- and substantially unaddressed -- issues to implement the finest streetcar system in the world. Toward this end, we call on the DC City Council and DDOT to:

Show Us the Money: Develop a streetcar business, financial & governance plan.
Tell the Whole Story: Develop a master plan for streetcar equipment & facilities.
Move Out of the Past: Assess streetcar technology worldwide and move rapidly towards a wireless system.
Buy for a Wireless Future: Only acquire new streetcars that can eventually be converted to wireless technology.
Obey the Law: Comply with NEPA and all other environmental and preservation law.
Banish the Devil from the Details: Develop a scaled street plan for each phase and rethink some routes.
Don’t "Just Do It;” Do It RIGHT: Craft permanent streetcar legislation to ensure a world class system for a world class city.

Resources

Committee 100 Testimony

Meg Maguire C100 Testimony DC Council Streetcar Land Use Study: February 1, 2012, Meg Maguire
The C100 raises concerns regarding the funding of streetcars and the lack of specificity about land use planning.
Monte Edwards CHRS Testimony DC Council Streetcar Landuse Study: February 1, 2012, Monte Edwards
Monte Edwards testifies on behalf of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society raising several concerns about the Streetcar Land Use Study.
Committee Testimony Before DC Council Regarding DDOT Oversight (513.96 kB): February 28, 2011, Monte Edwards
Monte Edwards testified on behalf of the Committee of 100 before the DC City Council regarding oversight of the District’s Department of Transportation.
DDOT Oversight Hearing (92.34 kB): February 26, 2010, Meg Maguire
Letter on DDOT Oversight Hearing to Council Members Graham & Wells (88.53 kB): March 3, 2010, Meg Maguire
DDOT Budget Hearing (96.04 kB): April 26, 2010, Meg Maguire
Public Oversight Hearing on Transportation Infrastructure Amendment Act 2010 (118.69 kB): June 22, 2010, George Clark and Meg Maguire
Testimony on Well's Streetcar Legislation (118.7 kB): June 22, 2010, George Clark

Committee 100 Reports and Presentations

A Streetcar Named...Desire? (13.18 MB) PowerPoint Presentation to the Capitol Hill Restoration Society: March 18, 2010, Meg Maguire, Chair, Transportation Subcommittee, Committee of 100 on the Federal City
Streetcar Planning Requirements (252.61 kB): June 14, 2010, Prepared by Transportation Sub-Committee of Committee of 100
Building a World Class Streetcar System for a World Class City: October 2010, Prepared by Meg Maguire, Dorn McGrath, Monte Edwards, Dick Wolf

The Committee of 100

DC Streetcars

Transportation

Resources

Committee 100 Testimony

Committee 100 Reports and Presentations

Additional Documents

Federal Comments on Overhead Wires

Links

Subcommittees / Issues