Streetcar phase-out raises calls for clear worker transition and expanded BRT

The proposed two-year phase-out of the DC Streetcar drew sustained attention from labor and transit advocates who argued the city must provide a detailed transition plan for employees and passengers.

Union priorities: Matthew Gerardi of ATU Local 689 said the union opposes cuts to bus-priority funding and urged a clear plan for streetcar workers if service is wound down. Local 689 recommended that next-generation service (whether electrified buses or BRT) be transitioned into WMATA operations and that employees' years of service and wages be honored. Gerardi said a $2,500,000 plan to bring wages for former circulator members closer to Metro scales could be funded from the Circulator Relief Fund.

Service design: Witnesses urged any successor to the streetcar to provide high-frequency, rapid, electrified service with bus priority on H and Benning and extension to Benning Road Metro to meet demand and avoid the pitfalls of operating independent shuttle services that do not integrate with regional transit.

Ending: Committee members said they want to see concrete transition and workforce proposals when DDOT and WMATA testify.