The Future of DC Streetcars Isn’t So Bright

It’s not looking good for DC’s streetcar plans, the Washington Post reports, pointing out that the path to streetcardom has been plagued with budget cuts, a fire, and at least nine traffic accidents involving streetcars that aren’t even carrying passengers yet. Arlington has already thrown out more than a decade’s worth of streetcar planning for Columbia Pike, and with new Gov. Larry Hogan already unsympathetic to the efforts, and Mayor Muriel Bowser re-evaluating the plans, the prognosis for Maryland and DC doesn’t look promising. The streetcar debate has drawn rich vs. poor battle lines, and public support has diminished to jokes on Twitter. But the fact is, the safety and convenience of streetcars would benefit a growing city. [WaPo]