The long-awaited Atlanta Streetcar hit the tracks Wednesday night in its first fully powered trip around downtown.
Streetcar spokeswoman Sharon Gavin said the project — which tested the streetcar’s overhead wiring system and alignment — was a success and a “major milestone.”
“It was really very exciting night for all of us from a historical perspective. We haven’t seen a streetcar run under its own power in Atlanta for 65 years,” she said. “When it came out of the vehicle maintenance facility it was an emotional moment for those of us who have worked on it for a long time.”
City and MARTA workers tested the streetcar at 5 miles per hour in order to identify minor required fixes, she said. When fully operational, the streetcars will run at a maximum of 25 mph.
Roughly 50 spectators came out to watch the streetcar hit the streets near Old Fourth Ward, said MARTA spokeswoman Saba Long. The city and MARTA, which jointly run the project, must do several additional live tests before the streetcar will be open to passengers.
City officials haven’t given a firm opening date for the streetcar, but Mayor Kasim Reed has pledged for it to be operational by end of year.
Gavin said the city and MARTA are on track to meet that goal. In the meantime, they are working to educate future riders and pedestrians on streetcar safety.
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