The long-awaited H Street/Benning Road Streetcar is set to launch full passenger service on Saturday, Feb. 27.

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that fares will be free for an initial period of time, as a token of appreciation to area residents for their patience during the construction and testing phase. After the official opening, the DC Streetcar will assume its normal hours of operation, with no service offered on Sundays, and a set schedule offered for the remainder of the week.

The launch will be marked with an opening ceremony set to kick off at 10am on 13th Street between Wylie Street and H Street NE. Mayor Bowser, along with current and former District officials, will be on hand for the festivities. The ceremony will be open to residents, with those interested in attending encouraged to RSVP.

The H Street/Benning Road Line stretches for 2.2 miles and follows H Street and Benning Road from Union Station to Oklahoma Avenue NE. Simulated service was launched back in December, with final review and testing recently completed.