Should DC Run a Streetcar Line to Silver Spring?

Will Silver Spring residents be able to ride a streetcar into DC one day?

Possibly. DC is about to start a one-year study of a north-south transit corridor from Southwest DC to either Takoma or Silver Spring, Greater Greater Washington reported.

The new transit corridor could operate as a bus rapid transit system, but it's more likely to feature a streetcar line, and it "will be one of the largest transit expansions in the District. This study, which is the first step in a longer planning process, will analyze alignments and modes through the entire study corridor to produce no more than three alternatives." The DC government "will finance the streetcar, while contracting to a private firm to design, build, operate and maintain the system," Greater Greater Washington reported.

Greater Greater Washington reported that stopping a streetcar line at Takoma might be easier, politically, but extending it to Silver Spring would be good because of the jobs, entertainment and transportation options (access to MARC, Amtrak, Metro) in downtown Silver Spring.

A public meeting examining the possible transit corridor's segment from Petworth to Silver Spring takes place on Thursday, Nov. 7, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Emory Recreation Center (5701 Georgia Ave. NW, Washington, DC).

>>>Read the full story on Greater Greater Washington's website.