Washington DC says farewell to trams for a second time

The US capital operated a first-generation tramway (streetcar) system from 1862 to 1962, finishing with a fleet of 489 PCC cars that we’re noted for operating extensively on the conduit system (a local ordinance forbade overhead wires in the central area). In 2009 the city government started laying track for a demonstration project of modern streetcars. However the 2.2-mile (3.5km) DC Streetcar in the H Street corridor ran for the last time on 31 March 2026. Tram 201 was the last car in service at 22.40. 

 

The demonstration project, which did not charge fares, had opened in February 2016, but has suffered from low passenger numbers, delays from badly-parked cars and fading political support. The six trams (three Inekon Trio and three United Streetcar 10T) are to be auctioned. Bus D20 continues to operate along H Street.