Testing. Specifically, a longer-than-expected fine tuning and integration of the various First Hill Streetcar systems in order to have all six cars pass the final tests needed to start taking passengers. The most recent setbacks were highlighted last week by Seattle Department of Transportation director Scott Kubly.

Adjusting and testing the streetcar software to ensure an optimal blending of the two braking systems is one of the latest issues getting attention, according to SDOT’s Ethan Melone. The problem is jerking decelerations and stops that occur as a result of the dynamic brakes, which generate electricity back into the system, and friction brakes not working in harmony.

Unlike the streetcar’s propulsion system (which also caused delays), the dual braking system is not new. Melone said the longer-than-expected testing has been a surprise to both SDOT and to Inekon.

“It’s not really a new hold up. It’s just been this process of getting all the vehicles tested.”

Several component manufacturers are now in Seattle working with Inekon, the lead manufacturer, and Pacifica Marine to iron out the kinks, Melone tells CHS.

SDOT is also waiting for two streetcars to complete the “acceptance testing” phase. That requires up to two weeks of preparation and one to two days of track testing, Melone said. Once that’s finished, the cars will still have to go through another round of testing that will require running the 2.5-mile Capitol Hill to Pioneer Square route multiple times (around 300 miles) during normal operating hours.

“It’s not really a new hold up,” Melone said. “It’s just been this process of getting all the vehicles tested.”

But that process is wearing thin on transit riders and supporters who wanted to see the line up and running last year. It’s also wearing thin on Mayor Ed Murray, who recently called the delays “unacceptable” and warned that if they continued, City Hall would have to explore other options beyond financial penalties imposed on Inekon.

By SDOT’s account, the project is about a year delayed going by a timeline laid out in 2012. However, earlier projections put the start date at 2013. Construction on the rails and the line’s accompanying bikeway have been complete since late 2014.

When service begins, the new streetcars will arrive at the 10 stops every 10 to 15 minutes from 5 AM to 1 AM Monday to Saturday and 10 AM to 8 PM on Sundays and holidays. The trains will share traffic lanes with motor vehicles. The streetcar’s current northern terminus will deliver riders to Broadway and Denny — across the street from future light rail service at Capitol Hill Station. Planning to extend the streetcar and its accompanying bikeway north on Broadway to Roy by 2017 is also underway.

Issues around the trolleys manufactured by Inekon have led to delays and contractual financial penalties that have reached $750,000 for the Czech firm. The unique power system being deployed in the First Hill line had previously been a big issue, but Melone said that’s not behind the recent delays.

As of now, SDOT is staying clear of any predictions, including whether or not the streetcar will be ready before 2016.

Kubly’s most recent director’s report documented some more bad news. Two converter boxes that connect the train to the overhead wires recently had to be sent back to Switzerland after rainwater was found leaking into them. According to Melone, that hasn’t pushed back the project. Still, he said SDOT is aware that public frustration is growing over the steady stream of problems.

“We’re disappointed that we haven’t been able to start service. We’re hearing that people are frustrated,” Melone said. “That’s all the more reason that we want to make sure the cars are ready to go when they start service.”

UPDATE: Here’s another clue. The mayor’s 2016 budget proposal includes this “technical adjustment” —

 

UPDATEx2: You can learn more about the design for another planned addition to Seattle’s streetcar network:

SDOT Shares Design Update for Seattle Streetcar – Center City Connector  

SEATTLE –The Seattle Department of Transportation will host two open houses next week to inform and engage the public on plans for the Seattle Streetcar – Center City Connector. The Center City Connector will complete the Seattle Streetcar system, linking over a dozen Seattle neighborhoods.

The public is invited to ask questions on the proposed design and constructing phasing options for the Center City Connector at two downtown open houses:

Tuesday, September 29th

5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Bertha Knight Landes Room, Seattle City Hall

600 4th Ave., Seattle, WA 98104

 

Wednesday, September 30th

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Bertha Knight Landes Room, Seattle City Hall

600 4th Ave., Seattle, WA 98104

The City of Seattle is building a modern streetcar system that will provide new urban mobility options, support economic growth and strengthen connections among the places where people live, work and socialize. The Seattle City Council approved the alignment for the Center City Connector segment in 2014.  The project alignment features transit-only lanes and center stop platforms along First Avenue, between Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market, as well as a connection to the existing tracks on Westlake Avenue via Stewart Street and Olive Way.

The Center City Connector will link the South Lake Union and First Hill Streetcar lines, creating a system that will connect over a dozen Seattle neighborhoods in Seattle’s Center City. By linking existing streetcar investments, the Connector will provide a streetcar system that is highly legible, easy-to-use for a variety of trip purposes, and that serves major visitor destinations, employment centers, and areas where the city is experiencing significant growth. The system is projected to over 20,000 average weekday riders.

The environmental process and final design will continue into 2016. Construction could begin as early as the fourth quarter of 2016, pending the results of the City’s efforts to secure funding through the Federal Transit Administration’s Small Starts program.