Beset by delays throughout 2014, the launch of revenue service on Seattle's First Hill streetcar line is now tentatively set for this November.
Seattle's Department of Transportation has delayed service as corresponding delays in equipment delivery have occurred throughout the year. Seattle DOT now hopes to begin service as it acquires the six cars on order for the line.
The six cars, are being produced by Prague, Czech Republic-based Inekon Group a.s. and Seattle-based Pacifica, known for marine manufacture but now delving into rail production as the North American streetcar market expands. br>
The six cars to protect the 2.5-mile, $132 million line were to begin arriving last June, Seattle DOT told the blog site CHS Capitol Hill Seattle.
The line will be Seattle's second streetcar operation, following the South Lake Union Streetcar, for which the Inekon/Pacifica tandem is also producing an additional car. The Seattle City Council last July approved a First Avenue streetcar alignment that will seam together the South Lake Union Streetcar and the similarly named First Hill streetcar.