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Story perspectives

D.C. Streetcar Operations End in 2026; Bus Alternative Proposed

4/1/2026

40 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The District of Columbia will cease D.C. Streetcar operations after March 31, 2026, due to funding issues.
The District Department of Transportation has proposed the D20 bus as an alternative.
Ridership fell from over a million in 2019 to about 853,000 in Fiscal Year 2025, with the D.C. Circulator shutdown in 2024.
D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson expressed disappointment at missed opportunities to boost ridership.

History

Historical Context

The D.C. Transit System ended streetcar operations in 1969, transitioning to a bus-centric model. In 2016, the D.C. Streetcar resumed service after a long hiatus, but ridership peaked at 1.2 million in 2019 before declining to 853,000 by 2025. Funding issues led to the planned cessation of operations in March 2026, reflecting ongoing challenges in urban transit management.

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Story summary

The District of Columbia will cease D.C. Streetcar operations after March 31, 2026, due to funding issues.
The District Department of Transportation has proposed the D20 bus as an alternative.
Ridership fell from over a million in 2019 to about 853,000 in Fiscal Year 2025, with the D.C. Circulator shutdown in 2024.
D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson expressed disappointment at missed opportunities to boost ridership.

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