DART debuts first streetcar for testing

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) yesterday began testing its new streetcar. Slated to open officially April 13, the Dallas Streetcar will run from downtown Dallas to north Oak Cliff.

Designed and manufactured by Brookville Equipment, the streetcar will utilize wireless traction power, meaning it will be powered by overhead lines while on surface streets, but by an on-board stored energy system when crossing the Houston Street Viaduct, DART officials said in a press release.

Aside from continued testing along the corridor, the streetcar also will make an appearance on April 9 as part of the American Public Transportation Association's "Stand Up for Transportation Day."

The project is a collaboration between DART, the city of Dallas, the Federal Transportation Administration and the North Central Texas Council of Governments. A combination of federal stimulus grant money, regional toll road revenues and other funding provide the financial backing for the now $50 million project, according to the Dallas Morning News.