View source for First Hill Streetcar

{{short description|Streetcar line in Seattle, Washington}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox rail line
| name                            = First Hill Streetcar
| box_width                       = 330px
| image                           = First Hill Streetcar 401 on Broadway at Terrace Street.jpg
| image_width                     = 300px
| caption                         = Streetcar on [[Broadway (Seattle)|Broadway]] approaching the Terrace Street stop
| type                            = [[Tram|Streetcar]]
| system                          = [[Seattle Streetcar]]
| status                          = <!-- Only use when line is non-operational -->
| start                           = [[Pioneer Square, Seattle|Pioneer Square]], [[Downtown Seattle]]
| end                             = [[Capitol Hill station|Capitol Hill Station]], [[Capitol Hill, Seattle|Capitol Hill]]
| stations                        = 10
| daily_ridership                 = 3,050 (December 2016)<ref name="SDOT-Jan17">{{cite news |date=January 24, 2017 |title=First Hill Streetcar First Anniversary |url=http://sdotblog.seattle.gov/2017/01/24/first-hill-streetcar-first-anniversary/ |publisher=[[Seattle Department of Transportation]] |access-date=March 25, 2017}}</ref>
| ridership2                      = 882,219 (2017)<ref name="SDOT-SA"/>
| website                         = {{url|https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/getting-around/transit/streetcar/first-hill-line/|First Hill Streetcar}}
| open                            = {{start date|2016|01|23}}
| owner                           = [[Seattle|City of Seattle]]
| operator                        = [[King County Metro]]
| linenumber                      = 96 {{small|(used internally)}}
| character                       = [[Street running]], in mixed traffic
| stock                           = [[Inekon Trams#Trio|Inekon Trio Type 121]]
| linelength                      = {{Cvt|2.5|mi}}
| tracklength                     = 
| tracks                          = 2
| gauge                           = {{Track gauge|ussg|allk=on}}
| minradius                       = 
| electrification                 = {{750 V DC|conductor=overhead}}
| speed                           = 
| elevation                       = 
| map_name                        = Route diagram
| map                             = {{First Hill Streetcar RDT}}
| map_state                       = collapsed
}}

The '''First Hill Streetcar''', officially the '''First Hill Line''', is a [[streetcar]] route in [[Seattle]], Washington, United States, forming part of the modern [[Seattle Streetcar]] system. It travels {{convert|2.5|mi|km}} between several neighborhoods in central Seattle, including the [[International District, Seattle|International District]], [[First Hill, Seattle|First Hill]], and [[Capitol Hill, Seattle|Capitol Hill]]. The line has ten stops and runs primarily in mixed traffic on South Jackson Street and [[Broadway (Seattle)|Broadway]].

The streetcar line was proposed in 2005 as an alternative to a cancelled [[Link light rail]] station on First Hill, with the goal of connecting the neighborhood to other light rail stations. The $135 million project, funded primarily by [[Sound Transit]], was approved by voters and the [[Seattle City Council|city council]] in 2008. The city government selected the Broadway corridor and began construction on the line in April 2012, also working on a parallel [[cycletrack|protected bicycle lane]].

Construction was completed in late 2014, but delays in the delivery and testing of the streetcar vehicles pushed the opening of the line to January 23, 2016. A proposed connection to the [[South Lake Union Streetcar]] line was planned to be constructed in the late 2010s, but was suspended by the city government in 2018.

==History==

===Background and approval===
[[File:First Hill Streetcars under construction.jpg|thumb|left|First Hill Streetcars under construction at the [[Inekon Trams]] factory in the Czech Republic]]

First Hill and the Broadway corridor were historically served by several lines under the private and [[Seattle Municipal Street Railway|municipal streetcar system]], beginning with the first line constructed in 1891 and ending in 1941 with the introduction of [[Trolleybuses in Seattle|city trolleybuses]].<ref>{{cite news |last=DeCoster |first=Dotty |date=August 14, 2008 |title=Many changes for trolley barn during 100 years |work=[[Capitol Hill Times]] |url=http://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2009/10/when-streetcars-ran-on-capitol-hill/ |via=Capitol Hill Seattle Blog |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Times-Study12">{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=November 12, 2012 |title=Seattle to spend up to $10 million to study new streetcar lines |page=A1 |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2019663126_streetcars12m.html |work=[[The Seattle Times]] |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref> First Hill, a major regional destination due to its concentration of medical facilities and [[Seattle University]], was slated to receive an underground [[Link light rail]] station under the system's first planned expansion from [[Downtown Seattle]] to the [[University District, Seattle|University District]], passed by voters in 1996.<ref name="PI-Link">{{cite news |last=Hadley |first=Jane |date=July 7, 2005 |title=Sound Transit says UW stadium within reach |page=A1 |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/Sound-Transit-says-UW-stadium-within-reach-1177759.php |work=[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]] |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref> A technical study revealed tunneling through the weak soil under First Hill involved high risks and would cost $350 million beyond the project's proposed budget, so the Sound Transit board voted in July 2005 to remove the First Hill station from their preferred light rail route.<ref name="PI-Link"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Hadley |first=Jane |date=July 29, 2005 |title=Sound Transit board leaves First Hill out of loop |page=B1 |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/Sound-Transit-board-leaves-First-Hill-out-of-loop-1179410.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref>

In lieu of light rail service, [[Sound Transit]] commissioned studies on alternative means of improving transit service to the neighborhood, leading [[King County Executive]] [[Ron Sims]] to suggest a [[streetcar]] connecting with the [[Capitol Hill station|Capitol Hill light rail station]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Pryne |first=Eric |date=July 28, 2005 |title=Drop First Hill light-rail stop, CEO Earl says |page=B1 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20050728/firsthill28m/drop-first-hill-light-rail-stop-ceo-earl-says |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref> Sound Transit, the city government, and neighborhood stakeholders convened The First Hill Work Program to investigate alternative modes and projects, among them bus improvements to the Broadway and [[Madison Street (Seattle)|Madison Street]] corridors and a streetcar from [[International District/Chinatown station]] to Capitol Hill.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 26, 2006 |title=Sound Transit Motion No. M2006-13 Staff Report |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/st_sharepoint/download/sites/PRDA/FinalRecords/Motion%20M2006-13.pdf |publisher=[[Sound Transit]] |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref> The Work Program was completed in April 2007 and concluded a {{convert|2|mi|km|adj=mid|spell=in}} streetcar on Broadway and South Jackson Street would be a feasible way to connect First Hill with the light rail system while acting as a potential catalyst for new [[transit-oriented development]].<ref>{{cite web |date=April 17, 2007 |title=First Hill Transit Connector Alternatives Summary Report |page=1 |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/Documents/pdf/projects/link/north/FHTransitAltsRpt2007-04-17.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100711134352/http://www.soundtransit.org/Documents/pdf/projects/link/north/FHTransitAltsRpt2007-04-17.pdf |archive-date=July 11, 2010 |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref> A preliminary analysis in 2005 found the streetcar would cost up to $122 million to construct and attract 3,000 weekday riders if built.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pryne |first=Eric |date=December 9, 2005 |title=Items big, small on Sound Transit's wish list |page=B3 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref>

The First Hill Streetcar project was included in the [[Sound Transit 2]] plan, which was approved by the [[Sound Transit]] board and placed on the [[Roads and Transit]] ballot measure for the November 2007 election.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=May 25, 2007 |title=Proposed light-rail extension heading for ballot |page=B1 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20070525/soundtransit25m/proposed-light-rail-extension-heading-for-ballot |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref> The ballot measure was rejected by voters,<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=December 10, 2007 |title=South Lake Union streetcar on the past track |page=A1 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20071210/streetcar10m/south-lake-union-streetcar-on-the-past-track |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref> but Sound Transit 2 was passed by voters as a standalone ballot measure in November 2008 and included $120 million in funding for the streetcar.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=October 29, 2008 |title=Bus vs. light rail: Which is your ticket to ride? |page=A1 |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/lightrailinitiative/2008324129_busrail29m.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=November 6, 2008 |title=How transit supporters closed deal with voters |page=A1 |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/lightrailinitiative/2008357499_soundtransit06m.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref> The [[Seattle City Council]] approved the First Hill line in December as part of a citywide streetcar network that would expand on the existing [[South Lake Union Streetcar]].<ref name="PI-Network">{{cite news |last=Mulady |first=Kathy |date=December 8, 2008 |title=Council OKs streetcar network |page=B1 |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/Council-OKs-streetcar-network-1294131.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=August 30, 2014}}</ref> An interlocal agreement between the city and Sound Transit was signed in October 2009 to allow the city to design and construct the streetcar while using funds from the transit expansion plan, which would also cover the $5.2 million annual operating budget.<ref>{{cite news |date=October 6, 2009 |title=First Hill streetcar deal OK'd by city |page=B2 |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2010007292_streetcar06m.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=October 8, 2009 |title=City of Seattle Ordinance 123118 |url=http://clerk.seattle.gov/search/ordinances/123118 |publisher=Seattle City Clerk |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref> While initially projected to open in 2016, the project timeline was accelerated by three years under the agreement.<ref>{{cite press release |date=November 16, 2009 |title=Seattle, Sound Transit execute agreement for expedited streetcar construction |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/seattle-sound-transit-execute-agreement-expedited |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref>

===Routing decision and construction===
[[File:First Hill Streetcar Map.png|thumb|right|Proposed route for the First Hill Streetcar, 2009]]
[[File:First Hill Streetcar track construction on Jackson at Maynard in 2013 with 2 trolley buses passing.jpg|thumb|Track construction underway on Jackson Street in June 2013]]

The [[Seattle Department of Transportation]] (SDOT) presented three basic route alignments for public consideration in December 2009: beginning with a common corridor on Jackson Street with a one-way loop between [[Pioneer Square, Seattle|Pioneer Square]] and International District/Chinatown station, the streetcar would use either 12th or 14th avenues to reach [[Yesler Terrace, Seattle|Yesler Terrace]], then continue north on Broadway, Boren Avenue, or 12th Avenue. Near Capitol Hill station, the streetcar would split into a one-way couplet between Broadway and 11th Avenue with a terminal at Denny Way.<ref>{{cite news |last=Brueckmann |first=Korte |date=December 16, 2009 |title=Public meetings to scope First Hill Streetcar route |url=https://citylivingseattle.com/Content/City-Living/City-Living/Article/Public-meetings-to-scope-First-Hill-Streetcar-route/35/187/27922 |work=[[City Living Seattle]] |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Sanders |first=Eli |date=December 15, 2009 |title=Tonight on Capitol Hill: Tell the City Which Streetcar You Want |url=https://www.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2009/12/15/tonight-on-capitol-hill-tell-the-city-which-streetcar-you-want |work=[[The Stranger (newspaper)|The Stranger]] |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref>

Despite community support for the 12th Avenue option and First Hill organizations backing the Boren option, SDOT recommended the Broadway route with no couplet or one-way loop.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ramirez |first=Marc |date=March 20, 2010 |title=SDOT proposes Broadway-only alignment for streetcar route |page=B2 |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2011392797_streetcar20m.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref> Other activists also petitioned the city for an extension to the business district on North Broadway, terminating near Aloha Street, which would require a separate funding source.<ref>{{cite news |last=Anne Lloyd |first=Sarah |date=February 10, 2010 |title=Capitol Hill Activists Push to Extend First Hill Streetcar |url=https://www.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2010/02/10/capitol-hill-activists-push-to-extend-first-hill-streetcar |work=The Stranger |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref> Mayor [[Mike McGinn]] endorsed the Broadway route and the city council unanimously approved the alignment in May 2010, with 10 stops and 10-minute weekday [[headway]]s.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=April 5, 2010 |title=Proposed First Hill streetcar is Broadway bound |page=A1 |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2011525542_streetcar05m.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gutierrez |first=Scott |date=May 3, 2010 |title=Seattle City Council moves forward with First Hill Streetcar |url=https://blog.seattlepi.com/transportation/2010/05/03/seattle-city-council-moves-forward-with-first-hill-streetcar/ |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref>

Pre-construction activities for the project began in January 2011 and a formal [[groundbreaking]] was held on April 23, 2012.<ref>{{cite news |last=Yuan |first=Teresa |date=January 25, 2011 |title=First Hill streetcar project gets under way |url=http://www.king5.com/news/local/First-Hill-Streetcar-Project-Underway-114565109.html |publisher=[[KING-TV|KING 5 News]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127041709/http://www.king5.com/news/local/First-Hill-Streetcar-Project-Underway-114565109.html |archive-date=January 27, 2011 |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |date=April 23, 2012 |title=City of Seattle and Sound Transit Break Ground on the First Hill Streetcar |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/city-seattle-sound-transit-break-ground-first-hill |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref> The project also included the construction of a two-way [[cycletrack|protected bicycle lane]] on the east side of Broadway that was added as a result of cycling accidents on the South Lake Union line.<ref name="Times-Remake">{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=April 11, 2012 |title=Newest streetcar to remake First Hill |page=A1 |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2017951931_streetcar11m.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref> Track-laying began over the summer on Yesler Way and on Broadway between Pine and Howell streets, causing street closures and other traffic disruptions.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gutierrez |first=Scott |date=August 6, 2012 |title=How the streetcar construction is already changing First Hill |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/First-Hill-Streetcar-3764490.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=August 21, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lotter |first=Rod |date=May 10, 2012 |title=Broadway traffic jams, construction will last two years: So get used to it |work=Capitol Hill Times}}</ref> During work on the Broadway section, [[Stacy and Witbeck]] contractors excavated [[railroad tie]]s used by the original streetcar system until the 1940s.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 28, 2012 |title=Broadway streetcar track work reveals Broadway streetcar track work |url=http://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2012/07/chs-pics-broadway-streetcar-track-work-reveals-broadway-streetcar-track-work/ |work=Capitol Hill Seattle Blog |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref> Trackwork on South Jackson Street began in early 2013 after completion of sewer and utility work in the International District.<ref>{{cite web |title=Project Updates, May 2013 |url=http://www.seattlestreetcar.org/fh_updates.htm |publisher=Seattle Streetcar |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513163017/http://www.seattlestreetcar.org/fh_updates.htm |archive-date=May 13, 2013 |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref> Due to the existing trolleybus and electrical wires above Broadway and South Jackson Street, SDOT elected to forgo wiring for its downhill, inbound track and instead rely on an onboard battery.<ref>{{cite web |last=Nielsen |first=Peg |date=February 27, 2014 |title=Don't get your wires crossed! |url=http://sdotblog.seattle.gov/2014/02/27/dont-get-your-wires-crossed/ |publisher=Seattle Department of Transportation |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=May 21, 2015 |title=Pay attention: Streetcar tests under way on Broadway |page=B4 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/pay-attention-streetcar-tests-have-started-on-broadway/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref>

===Testing, opening, and later issues===

Street construction and electrical installation were completed in late 2014, but the commencement of service was delayed to the following year due to procurement issues with the Czech streetcar manufacturer, [[Inekon Trams]], and a Seattle-based partner that would assemble half the fleet.<ref name="Times-Ready14">{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=September 24, 2014 |title=First Hill Streetcar delayed: Line is ready, streetcars are not |page=A1 |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2024611279_streetcardelayxml.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 5, 2014}}</ref> Inekon's delay was blamed on an existing backlog of orders, the battery systems, and a redesign required by a change in fire regulations.<ref name="Times-Mar15">{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=March 2, 2015 |title=City trying to get First Hill Streetcar moving |page=B2 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/city-revises-awards-fines-to-get-first-hill-streetcar-line-moving/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref> The project overran its $134 million budget by $1.6 million, which was paid by Inekon as part of their contract penalties.<ref name="Times-Opening">{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=January 23, 2016 |title=Seattle's First Hill Streetcar to open Saturday with free rides |page=A1 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/seattles-first-hill-streetcar-to-open-saturday-with-free-rides/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref> Testing of the first streetcar began in March 2015 and acceptance tests were completed on all five vehicles by October.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=June 29, 2015 |title=First Hill streetcars running another month behind |page=A1 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/first-hill-streetcars-running-another-month-behind/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Mah |first=Norm |date=October 21, 2015 |title=First Hill Streetcar Begins New Phase of Testing |url=http://sdotblog.seattle.gov/2015/10/21/first-hill-streetcar-begins-new-phase-of-testing/ |publisher=Seattle Department of Transportation |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref> The final phase of testing, including {{convert|310|mi|km}} of operation and a five-train simulation, was completed in early January 2016.<ref name="Times-Dec2015">{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=December 3, 2015 |title=Almost ready to ride: tours of delayed First Hill streetcar line begin |page=B2 |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/almost-ready-to-ride-tours-of-delayed-first-hill-streetcar-line/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 20, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Macz |first=Brandon |date=January 22, 2016 |title=All aboard the First Hill Streetcar |url=http://www.capitolhilltimes.com/2016/01/soft-launch-for-first-hill-streetcar-saturday/ |work=Capitol Hill Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160229003334/http://www.capitolhilltimes.com/2016/01/soft-launch-for-first-hill-streetcar-saturday/ |archive-date=February 29, 2016 |access-date=January 29, 2016}}</ref>

The First Hill Streetcar began service with a [[soft launch]] on January 23, 2016, announced the previous day by the city government.<ref name="Times-Opening"/> Passenger fares were [[Free public transport|waived entirely]] for the first two weeks of operation, leading up to a formal grand opening during a [[Lunar New Year]] festival in the International District on February 13, 2016.<ref>{{cite news |last=Macz |first=Brandon |date=February 9, 2016 |title=First Hill Streetcar free rides ending soon |work=Capitol Hill Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Mah |first=Norm |date=February 16, 2016 |title=Lunar New Year and Community Celebration of the First Hill Streetcar! |url=http://sdotblog.seattle.gov/2016/02/16/lunar-new-year-and-community-celebration-of-the-first-hill-streetcar/ |publisher=Seattle Department of Transportation |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref> In its first year of operation, the streetcar averaged 3,050 weekday riders and met year-end projections,<ref name="SDOT-Jan17"/> but by June 2017 the line was under-performing in ridership and fare revenue projections.<ref>{{cite news |last=Courtney |first=Ricky |date=June 29, 2017 |title=Seattle streetcar ridership takes big hit |url=https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/seattle-streetcar-ridership-takes-big-hit/453123767 |publisher=KING 5 News |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref>

The First Hill line was criticized for its slow, meandering route without transit-only lanes or other priority measures to give it a time advantage over buses or pedestrians.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 16, 2016 |title=Assphalt: We Raced the First Hill Street Car on Foot, and Beat it by 8 Minutes |url=http://www.seattleweekly.com/news/we-raced-the-first-hill-street-car-by-foot-and-beat-it-by-8-minutes/ |work=[[Seattle Weekly]] |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Scigliano |first=Eric |date=April 22, 2012 |title=A desire named streetcar |url=https://crosscut.com/2012/04/a-desire-named-streetcar |work=[[Crosscut.com]] |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref> While SDOT included bicycle-friendly features and pathways parallel to the streetcar, the tracks remained the cause of serious crashes, including a fatal incident on Yesler Way in May 2016.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bush |first=Evan |date=August 17, 2016 |title=Deadly streetcar tracks? Horror stories haunt Seattle bicyclists |page=A1 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/deadly-streetcar-tracks-horror-stories-haunt-seattle-bicyclists/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref> A lawsuit alleging fault for the cyclist's death was filed against the city government and Sound Transit by her family and settled in 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last=Clancy |first=Amy |date=November 21, 2018 |title=Brother of dead cyclist accepts settlement, but is still battling over safety |url=https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/brother-of-dead-cyclist-settles-but-is-still-battling-seattle/876772096 |publisher=[[KIRO-TV|KIRO 7 News]] |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref> Another crash, which resulted in severe injuries to a cyclist at South Jackson Street and 12th Avenue South, was settled in 2019 with $1.55&nbsp;million paid for by the city.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=July 18, 2019 |title=Seattle pays $1.55 million to bicyclist thrown under bus by streetcar track in 2015 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/seattle-pays-1-55-million-to-bicyclist-thrown-under-bus-by-streetcar-track-in-2015/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=July 19, 2019}}</ref> SDOT planned to install a rubber [[flange]] filler between the track and concrete, but found that it would cause additional hazards and not last an adequate amount of time.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bush |first=Evan |date=May 24, 2017 |title=Brother's claims against Seattle and Sound Transit blame streetcar tracks in bicyclist's deadly crash |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/family-sues-seattle-and-sound-transit-claims-streetcar-tracks-caused-bicyclists-deadly-crash/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref>

Streetcar service on the First Hill line was halted indefinitely on March 2, 2017, due to an incident where a streetcar lost electrical power and slid uncontrolled downhill for over two blocks after a brake failure.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=March 4, 2017 |title=First Hill Streetcar line shut down for 'a number of days' |page=B1 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/first-hill-streetcar-line-shut-down-since-wednesday/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref> The vehicle was stopped at a curve in the tracks by an emergency parking brake that engaged automatically; the two passengers on board were uninjured and there was no damage.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=March 11, 2017 |title=First Hill streetcar's 2½-block skid has Seattle scrutinizing system's safety |page=A1 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/2-block-skid-has-seattle-scrutinizing-streetcar-safety/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref> Service resumed on March 20 after modifications to the [[circuit breaker|load contactor]] were installed and tested; streetcars, however, remained temporarily restricted to {{convert|7|mph|kph}} on the steepest sections of Broadway.<ref>{{cite news |last=Macz |first=Brandon |date=March 20, 2017 |title=First Hill Streetcar rides again |url=http://www.capitolhilltimes.com/Content/News/News/Article/First-Hill-Streetcar-rides-again/26/337/4779 |work=Capitol Hill Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329114354/http://www.capitolhilltimes.com/Content/News/News/Article/First-Hill-Streetcar-rides-again/26/337/4779 |archive-date=March 29, 2017 |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Daniels |first=Chris |date=March 21, 2017 |title=First Hill streetcar slowdowns will stay, SDOT says |url=https://www.king5.com/article/traffic/traffic-news/first-hill-streetcar-slowdowns-will-stay-sdot-says/424414410 |publisher=KING 5 News |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref>

SDOT announced plans in 2018 to improve streetcar service on Broadway by adding a southbound business-and-transit lane between Union and Madison streets and prohibiting certain turning movements at three intersections.<ref>{{cite web |title=Spot Improvements: Broadway Corridor Streetcar Improvement Project |url=http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/projects-and-programs/programs/transit-program/spot-improvements |publisher=Seattle Department of Transportation |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Macz |first=Brandon |date=February 25, 2018 |title=SDOT planning BAT lane, restricted turns on Broadway to improve streetcar reliability |page=8 |work=[[Madison Park Times]]}}</ref> Other reliability projects, including the installation of [[transit signal priority]] on Jackson Street and turn restrictions on Yesler Way, were completed in 2018.<ref name="SDOT-SA">{{cite web |date=November 2018 |title=Semi-Annual Streetcar Report |pages=15–16 |url=https://seattlestreetcar.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/November-2018-Semi-Annual-Streetcar-Report.pdf |publisher=Seattle Department of Transportation |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331222643/https://seattlestreetcar.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/November-2018-Semi-Annual-Streetcar-Report.pdf |archive-date=March 31, 2019 |access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref>

===Proposed expansions===
[[File:Pioneer Square Streetcar Station (14441361345).jpg|thumb|left|The streetcar's current southern terminus, on South Jackson Street at Occidental Avenue in [[Pioneer Square, Seattle|Pioneer Square]]]]

A streetcar network plan published by the city government in 2008 explored extensions of the First Hill line to the [[Central District, Seattle|Central District]] and on [[Rainier Avenue]], connecting Broadway to the [[Mount Baker, Seattle|Mount Baker]] [[Mount Baker station|light rail station]] at Martin Luther King Jr. Way.<ref name="PI-Network"/><ref name="SSNetwork">{{cite report |date=May 2008 |title=Seattle Streetcar Network Development Report |pages=11–15 |publisher=Seattle Department of Transportation |url=http://www.seattlestreetcar.org/about/docs/StreetcarNetworkReportMay2008rev.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424101014/http://www.seattlestreetcar.org/about/docs/StreetcarNetworkReportMay2008rev.pdf |archive-date=April 24, 2013 |access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref> The initial plans for the First Hill line included service north of Denny Way to Aloha Street, but this section was eliminated under the Sound Transit 2 funding plan.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pian Chan |first=Sharon |author-link=Sharon Chan (journalist) |date=May 6, 2008 |title=Some getting serious about adding streetcars |page=B5 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Van Gilder |first=Jessica |date=May 20, 2010 |title=Design for Aloha streetcar extension needs $1 million |url=https://citylivingseattle.com/Content/City-Living/City-Living/Article/Design-for-Aloha-streetcar-extension-needs-1-million/35/187/28203 |work=City Living Seattle |access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref> The {{convert|1/2|mi|km|1|adj=mid}} streetcar extension was supported by community groups and merchants in the Broadway business district, who lobbied the city to study and design the $20 million project in 2010.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gutierrez |first=Scott |date=May 3, 2010 |title=Seattle City Council moves forward with First Hill Streetcar |url=https://blog.seattlepi.com/transportation/2010/05/03/seattle-city-council-moves-forward-with-first-hill-streetcar/ |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref> A [[excise tax|car tab]] fee rejected by city voters in 2011 would have funded $18 million for various streetcar projects, including the Aloha extension.<ref name="Times-Remake"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Lynn |date=November 9, 2011 |title=Seattle rejects car-tab fee, passes levy boost for kids |page=A6 |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2016720504_elexseattlemeasures09m.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref>

As design work progressed, the cost of the project rose to $25 million, which would be covered by a [[Puget Sound Regional Council]] grant and a [[local improvement district]] levied on local property owners.<ref name="CHT-2017">{{cite news |last=Macz |first=Brandon |date=October 17, 2017 |title=Streetcar extension up Broadway paused indefinitely |url=http://capitolhilltimes.com/Content/News/News/Article/Streetcar-extension-up-Broadway-paused-indefinitely/26/337/5256 |work=Capitol Hill Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022140722/http://capitolhilltimes.com/Content/News/News/Article/Streetcar-extension-up-Broadway-paused-indefinitely/26/337/5256 |archive-date=October 22, 2017 |access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref> The city government completed 90 percent design of the project in 2015, choosing a terminus at Roy Street and an intermediate stop at Harrison Street, but business leaders grew skeptical of the streetcar's cost and design, which would limit truck access.<ref>{{cite news |last=Macz |first=Brandon |date=February 7, 2017 |title=Business opposition could stop Broadway Streetcar |url=http://www.capitolhilltimes.com/Content/News/News/Article/Business-opposition-could-stop-Broadway-Streetcar/26/337/4685 |work=Capitol Hill Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217204631/http://www.capitolhilltimes.com/Content/News/News/Article/Business-opposition-could-stop-Broadway-Streetcar/26/337/4685 |archive-date=February 17, 2017 |access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref> Work on the project was halted in December 2016 and put on indefinite hold in October 2017 alongside street improvements, including the protected bicycle lane extension.<ref name="CHT-2017"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Hamlin |first=Kelsey |date=October 26, 2017 |title=Moving on from streetcar extension plan, city also ditches Broadway bike and street improvements |url=http://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2017/10/moving-on-from-streetcar-extension-plan-city-also-ditches-broadway-bike-and-street-improvements/ |work=Capitol Hill Seattle Blog |access-date=October 26, 2017}}</ref>

An extension of the First Hill Streetcar to connect with the existing [[South Lake Union Streetcar|South Lake Union line]] was planned in the 2008 city network as part of the [[Seattle Center]]–[[Downtown Seattle]]–[[King Street Station]] line.<ref name="PI-Network"/><ref name="SSNetwork"/> Planning on the project, named the [[Center City Connector]], began in 2012 and was approved two years later by the city council to run for {{convert|1.2|mi|km}} primarily on 1st Avenue.<ref name="Times-Study12"/> It would cost $110 million to construct and would carry streetcars at a frequency of five minutes due to an overlap of the two lines.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=July 1, 2014 |title=First Ave. streetcar approval delayed |page=B1 |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2023962862_streetcardowntownxml.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref> During preliminary construction in late 2017, questions arose about increased costs and potential disruption to downtown businesses. Mayor [[Jenny Durkan]] cancelled work on the project in March 2018 and ordered an independent review, which found that construction costs had risen to $200 million due to errors in vehicle procurement and design changes.<ref name="Times-CCCTimeline">{{cite news |last=Baruchman |first=Michelle |date=September 7, 2018 |title=How did we get here? A look back at Seattle's Center City Connector and streetcar history |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/seattles-long-history-with-streetcars-horse-drawn-cars-crushing-debt-and-competition-from-automobiles/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gutman |first=David |date=March 31, 2018 |title=Mayor puts the brakes on Seattle streetcar project |page=A1 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/seattle-mayor-jenny-durkan-halts-streetcar-expansion-project-as-costs-jump-to-200m/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref> The streetcar project, later renamed the "Culture Connector", remains unfunded and suspended {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kroman |first=David |date=May 30, 2023 |title=Hopes for a downtown Seattle streetcar find new life in Mayor Harrell |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/hopes-for-a-downtown-seattle-streetcar-find-new-life-in-mayor-harrell/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=August 30, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kroman |first=David |date=August 4, 2023 |title=Plans for long-delayed Seattle streetcar line hit City Hall snag |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/plans-for-long-delayed-seattle-streetcar-line-hit-city-hall-snag/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=August 30, 2023}}</ref> A report released in January 2024 estimated that the project would take seven years to construct and cost $410&nbsp;million—a 43&nbsp;percent increase from the 2018 estimate.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kroman |first=David |date=January 19, 2024 |title=Cost estimates soar for potential new downtown Seattle streetcar |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/new-soaring-cost-estimates-for-downtown-seattle-streetcar/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 19, 2024}}</ref>

==Route and stations==
[[File:First Hill Streetcar car 403 on Yesler Way, June 2016.jpg|thumb|right|A northbound streetcar traveling west on Yesler Way]]
The First Hill Streetcar line travels {{convert|2.5|mi|km}} from [[Pioneer Square, Seattle|Pioneer Square]] in [[Downtown Seattle]], east through the [[International District, Seattle|International District]], and north through [[Yesler Terrace, Seattle|Yesler Terrace]] and [[First Hill, Seattle|First Hill]] to [[Capitol Hill, Seattle|Capitol Hill]], generally following South Jackson Street and [[Broadway (Seattle)|Broadway]].<ref name="Map">{{cite map |date=December 2015 |title=Seattle Streetcar Map |url=https://seattlestreetcar.org/streetcar-archive/files/SeaStcar_map32x25_122915.pdf |publisher=Seattle Department of Transportation |access-date=January 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227015402/https://seattlestreetcar.org/streetcar-archive/files/SeaStcar_map32x25_122915.pdf |archive-date=December 27, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Trains take approximately 18 minutes to traverse the line from end to end.<ref name="Times-Mar15"/><ref name="Times-Opening"/>

The line begins in the median of South Jackson Street at Occidental Avenue in the Pioneer Square [[historic district]], located near the city's waterfront and between [[Lumen Field]] and [[Occidental Park]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Beason |first=Tyrone |date=February 19, 2015 |title=Pioneer Square: Seattle's original neighborhood is starting over |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/pacificnw/2025619096_0222pioneersquarexml.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref> Streetcars travel east on South Jackson Street, passing the [[Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park]] and [[King Street Station]]—the city's intercity rail station—before reaching its second stop at 5th Avenue South. The stop is located at the northeast corner of the [[International District/Chinatown station|International District/Chinatown light rail station]] and the [[Union Station (Seattle)|Union Station]] office complex.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=May 26, 2009 |title=International District/Chinatown Station is switching point for many commuters |page=B1 |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2009261916_stinternational26m.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref> It then continues across the International District and stops at 7th Avenue South near the [[Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience]].<ref name="Map"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Richard |first=Terry |date=February 17, 2015 |title=Bruce Lee tour at Seattle's Wing Luke Museum in Chinatown features local memories of martial arts movie star |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/travel/index.ssf/2015/02/wing_luke_museum_celebrates_li.html |work=[[The Oregonian]] |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref>

[[File:First Hill Streetcar 401 on Broadway.jpg|thumb|left|A southbound streetcar on Broadway at Pike Street, with the parallel [[protected bicycle lane]] on the right]]
The streetcar crosses a spur track on 8th Avenue South that leads to the line's operations and maintenance facility and then travels under [[Interstate 5 in Washington|Interstate 5]] into [[Little Saigon, Seattle|Little Saigon]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Campbell |first=Alyssa |date=May 4, 2015 |title=Heart of Little Saigon prepares for a makeover |url=https://crosscut.com/2015/05/heart-of-little-saigon-prepares-for-a-makeover |work=Crosscut.com |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref> Trains then stop at a station located east of 12th Avenue South and make a turn north onto 14th Avenue South, stopping at South Washington Street near [[Bailey Gatzert Elementary School]] and [[Wisteria Park]]. The line turns west onto [[Yesler Way (Seattle)|East Yesler Way]] and continues around the north side of the elementary school campus, traveling uphill into the expanded [[Yesler Terrace, Seattle|Yesler Terrace]] housing development.<ref name="Times-Remake"/> The streetcar stops in front of a [[community center]] and turns north onto Broadway,<ref name="Map"/> which also carries a protected bicycle lane on its east side along with on-street [[parking space]]s.<ref name="Times-Remake"/>

The streetcar follows Broadway uphill into First Hill, stopping at Terrace Street near the [[Harborview Medical Center]] and Marion Street at the [[Swedish Medical Center]] on the west side of the [[Seattle University]] campus.<ref name="Times-Remake"/> The line then crosses into Capitol Hill and serves a set of stops between [[Pike Street (Seattle)|Pike]] and Pine streets in the center of the city's main [[nightlife]] district.<ref name="Times-CHS">{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=March 14, 2016 |title=Take a look inside Capitol Hill's long-awaited light-rail station |page=B1 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/see-inside-capitol-hills-long-awaited-light-rail-station/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref> Streetcars then pass the [[Seattle Central College]] campus and [[Cal Anderson Park]] before merging into a single track on the west side of Broadway. The First Hill line terminates at a stop on the south side of [[Denny Way|East Denny Way]], adjacent to the west entrance of the [[Capitol Hill station|Capitol Hill light rail station]].<ref name="Map"/><ref name="Times-CHS"/>

===Stations===

[[File:First Hill Streetcar 406 at Capitol Hill Station.jpg|thumb|right|A streetcar at Capitol Hill station]]
The First Hill line has ten stations that are served by trains in both directions. The Jackson Street stops are primarily [[center platform]]s, while the Broadway and Yesler stops use [[side platform]]s due to the streets' widths.<ref name="OMPlan2012">{{cite web |date=February 2012 |title=Seattle Streetcar First Hill Line Operations & Maintenance Plan |pages=2–9 |url=http://clerk.seattle.gov/~public/meetingrecords/2012/transportation20120228_2b.pdf |publisher=Seattle Department of Transportation |via=Seattle City Clerk |access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Nickerson |first=Angela |date=May 15, 2013 |title=First Hill streetcar update |work=Capitol Hill Times}}</ref> Each is equipped with a low platform for level boarding that measures {{convert|60 to 70|ft|m}} long and {{convert|10 to 12|ft|m}} wide.<ref name="BroadwayReport">{{cite web |date=September 17, 2013 |title=Broadway Streetcar Extension Transportation Technical Report |page=1{{hyphen}}6 |url=http://www.seattlestreetcar.org/docs/bx/20140130BSEDesignReportTechnicalReportattachments.pdf |publisher=Seattle Department of Transportation |access-date=January 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230024330/https://seattlestreetcar.org/docs/bx/20140130BSEDesignReportTechnicalReportattachments.pdf |archive-date=December 30, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The platforms include a basic steel and glass shelter, a digital display with [[passenger information system|real-time arrivals]], wayfinding maps and signs, benches, and leaning rails.<ref name="OMPlan2012"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Mah |first=Norm |date=November 18, 2015 |title=First Hill Streetcar Line Wayfinding Maps Installed |url=http://sdotblog.seattle.gov/2015/11/18/first-hill-streetcar-line-wayfinding-maps-installed/ |publisher=Seattle Department of Transportation |access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref> Passengers pay for rides using an [[ORCA card]] reader or via paper tickets printed at a [[ticket vending machine]] on the platform.<ref name="OMPlan2012"/><!-- Each of the station platforms features an inlaid map showing each of the stops and their corresponding elevation above sea level.{{cn|date=January 2019}}-->

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ List of First Hill Streetcar stations
|-
! scope="col" colspan=2 class=unsortable | Station<ref name="StreetcarLine">{{cite web |title=First Hill Line |url=https://seattlestreetcar.org/how-to-ride/first-hill-line/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031163644/https://seattlestreetcar.org/how-to-ride/first-hill-line/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 31, 2017 |publisher=Seattle Streetcar |access-date=January 12, 2019 }}</ref>
! scope="col" rowspan=2 | Type<ref name="OMPlan2012"/><!--
! scope="col" rowspan=2 class=unsortable | Image-->
! scope="col" rowspan=2 | Neighborhood
! scope="col" rowspan=2 class=unsortable | Connections and notes<ref name="MetroMap">{{cite map |date=September 2018 |title=Downtown Metro Service |url=https://kingcounty.gov/~/media/depts/transportation/metro/maps/system/09222018/pdf/metro-system-map-downtown-seattle-low.pdf |publisher=King County Metro |access-date=January 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109110935/https://kingcounty.gov/~/media/depts/transportation/metro/maps/system/09222018/pdf/metro-system-map-downtown-seattle-low.pdf |archive-date=January 9, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
! class=unsortable | Northbound
! class=unsortable | Southbound
|-
! scope="row" colspan=2 | [[Occidental Park|Occidental Mall]]<br />(Occidental Avenue)
| [[Center platform|Center]]
| [[Pioneer Square, Seattle|Pioneer Square]]
| align=left | {{rint|ferry}} [[Washington State Ferries]], [[King County Water Taxi]], [[Kitsap Fast Ferries]]<br />Serves [[Lumen Field]], [[Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park]]
|-
! scope="row" colspan=2 | Jackson & 5th Avenue
| Center
| rowspan=2 | [[International District, Seattle|Chinatown/International District]]
| align=left | {{rint|Seattle|Link}} [[International District/Chinatown station]]: {{rint|seattle|Line 1}} [[1 Line (Sound Transit)|1 Line]]<br />{{rint|us|Amtrak}}{{rint|Seattle|Sounder}} [[King Street Station]]: [[Amtrak]], [[Sounder commuter rail]]
|-
! scope="row" colspan=2 | Jackson & 7th Avenue
| Center
| align=left | Serves [[Wing Luke Asian Museum]], [[Kobe Terrace (Seattle)|Kobe Terrace]]
|-
! scope="row" colspan=2 | Jackson & 12th Avenue
| Center
| [[Little Saigon, Seattle|Little Saigon]]
| align=left | {{rint|bus}} [[King County Metro]]: 7, 14, 36, 60
|-
! scope="row" colspan=2 | 14th Avenue & Washington Street
| Center
| [[Central District, Seattle|Central District]]
| align=left | 
|-
! scope="row" colspan=2 | Yesler Way & Broadway
| [[Side platform|Side]]
| [[Yesler Terrace, Seattle|Yesler Terrace]]
| align=left | {{rint|bus}} [[King County Metro]]: 27, 60<br />Serves Yesler Terrace Community Center
|-
! scope="row" colspan=2 | Broadway & Terrace Street
| Side
| rowspan=2 | [[First Hill, Seattle|First Hill]]
| align=left | {{rint|bus}} [[King County Metro]]: 3, 4, 9<br />Serves [[Harborview Medical Center]]
|-
! scope="row" colspan=2 | Broadway & Marion Street
| Side
| align=left | {{rint|bus}} [[King County Metro]]: 9, 12, 60<br />Serves [[Seattle University]] and [[Swedish Medical Center]]
|-
! scope="row" | Broadway & Pine Street
! scope="row" | Broadway & Pike Street
| Side
| rowspan=2 | [[Capitol Hill, Seattle|Capitol Hill]]
| align=left | {{rint|bus}} [[King County Metro]]: 9, 11, 49, 60<br />Serves [[Seattle Central College]]
|-
! scope="row" colspan=2 | Broadway & Denny Way
| Side
| align=left | {{rint|Seattle|Link}} [[Capitol Hill station]]: {{rint|seattle|Line 1}} [[1 Line (Sound Transit)|1 Line]]<br />Serves [[Cal Anderson Park]]
|}

==Service and operations==

The First Hill Streetcar runs for 20 hours per day from Monday to Saturday, with trains from 5&nbsp;am to 10:30&nbsp;pm, and 10 hours per day on Sundays and federal holidays from 10&nbsp;am to 8&nbsp;pm. Trains arrive at stations with a scheduled frequency of 12 minutes during weekday rush hours, 15 minutes midday on weekdays and Saturdays, and 20 minutes during the early morning, evenings, Sundays, and holidays.<ref name="Times-Opening"/><ref name="StreetcarLine"/> The streetcar had an annual ridership of 882,219 passengers in 2017.<ref name="SDOT-SA"/>

The streetcar is owned by the City of Seattle and is currently operated by [[King County Metro]] under a contract with the city government.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 13, 2014 |title=Amended and Restated Interlocal Agreement between King County and the City of Seattle Regarding The Seattle Streetcar System |url=https://www.kingcounty.gov/~/media/operations/policies/documents/ILAs/ExecutedInterlocalAgreementSeattleStreetcarSystem10132014.ashx?la=en |publisher=King County Metro |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref> The line's operating budget is primarily covered by a $5 million annual contribution from Sound Transit, with the city government paying other costs.<ref name="Budget">{{cite web |date=November 2016 |title=Seattle Streetcar: Budget Overview |pages=451–454 |url=https://www.seattle.gov/financedepartment/17proposedbudget/documents/STCAR.pdf |work=City of Seattle 2017 Adopted and 2018 Endorsed Budget |publisher=City of Seattle |access-date=January 12, 2019 |archive-date=February 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217032457/http://www.seattle.gov/financedepartment/17proposedbudget/documents/STCAR.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Metro <!--internally refers to the line as Route 96{{cn|date=January 2019}} and also--> operates bus replacement services in the event of service disruptions.<ref name="OMPlan2012"/>

===Rolling stock===
[[File:Maintenance facility for First Hill Streetcar line - Seattle, 2014.jpg|thumb|right|The operations and maintenance facility for the First Hill Streetcar, located in the International District]]
[[File:First Hill Streetcar 403 interior (23496930841).jpg|thumb|right|The interior of Streetcar 403]]

The First Hill Streetcar uses a fleet of six [[low-floor]] [[Inekon 12 Trio|Inekon 121 Trio]] streetcars that are maintained and operated by King County Metro.<ref name="OMPlan2012"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Klacza |first=Patrick |date=February 18, 2016 |title=Are The New Generation Of Streetcars A Solution Or Just A Novelty? |url=https://www.popsci.com/are-the-new-generation-streetcars-a-solution-or-just-a-novelty |work=[[Popular Science]] |access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref> The articulated streetcars measure {{convert|66|ft|m}} long, {{convert|8|ft|m}} wide, and have two operator's cabs for bidirectional operations.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gutman |first=David |date=July 24, 2018 |title=Seattle's new streetcars may be too big to fit tracks, maintenance barn, mayor's office says |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/seattles-new-streetcars-may-be-too-big-to-fit-tracks-maintenance-barn/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref> They each have 30 seats and capacity for 40 additional standing passengers, along with two wheelchair locations; to board wheelchairs and bicycles, a mechanical [[Bridge plate (mechanism)|bridge plate]] is deployed by the operator from one of two doors in the center section.<ref>{{cite web |title=Accessibility |url=https://seattlestreetcar.org/about/accessibility-bikes/ |publisher=Seattle Streetcar |access-date=January 13, 2019 |archive-date=January 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109155531/https://seattlestreetcar.org/about/accessibility-bikes/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> A third door is located near the operator's cab in the raised section above the [[truck (rail)|truck]], which has seating accessed by a stair.<ref name="OMPlan2012"/> A set of digital displays inside the car show upcoming stops, which are also announced by an audio 
message.<ref>{{cite web |title=Frequently Asked Questions |url=https://seattlestreetcar.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/ |publisher=Seattle Streetcar |access-date=January 13, 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916072326/https://seattlestreetcar.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/ |archive-date=September 16, 2019}}</ref>

The streetcars, numbered 401 to 407, were built by Czech manufacturer Inekon Trams, who also supplied the vehicles for the [[South Lake Union Streetcar|South Lake Union line]] and the [[Portland Streetcar]] system.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 22, 2016 |title=Seattle accelerates its light rail plans |url=http://www.tautonline.com/seattle-accelerates-its-light-rail-plans/ |work=[[Tramways & Urban Transit]] |access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref> The fleet was manufactured in [[Ostrava]] by Inekon and shipped to Seattle for final assembly by Pacifica Marine in 2015, falling significantly behind schedule and delaying the start of service.<ref name="Times-Dec2015"/><ref>{{cite press release |date=January 29, 2013 |title=Inekon Group zahájil výrobu tramvají pro USA |language=cs |trans-title=Inekon Group starts production of trams for USA |url=http://www.inekon.cz/cz/press-centrum/aktuality/inekon-group-zahajil-vyrobu-tramvaji-pro-usa.html |publisher=[[Inekon Trams]] |access-date=January 25, 2016 |archive-date=September 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914150205/http://www.inekon.cz/cz/press-centrum/aktuality/inekon-group-zahajil-vyrobu-tramvaji-pro-usa.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The streetcars draw their electrical power from [[Overhead line|overhead catenary]] that is energized at 750 [[volt]]s [[direct current]]. Unlike the 12 Trio models used for the South Lake Union line, the 121 Trio features an [[Supercapacitor|on-board energy storage system]] that allows streetcars to run off-wire on downhill sections of the route and recharge the battery using [[regenerative braking]].<ref name="OMPlan2012"/> The streetcars are painted in colors to represent neighborhoods on the route, including [[baby blue]] for First Hill's hospitals, [[metallic gold]] for Pioneer Square's role in the [[Klondike gold rush]], [[jade (color)|jade green]] for Little Saigon, [[hot pink]] for Capitol Hill, and red and yellow for Chinatown-International District.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=March 28, 2015 |title=New First Hill streetcars readied for test runs |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/streetcars-readied-for-test-runs/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref>

The First Hill line requires six streetcars during normal operations, with five in service and one operational [[spare ratio|spare]]. An additional vehicle would be required for the North Broadway extension.<ref name="BroadwayReport"/> The streetcars are stored at an operations and maintenance facility within the city's Charles Street Service Center, connected via a [[spur track]] on 8th Avenue South. The facility has capacity for seven streetcars, including three within the maintenance shop, and is expandable using outdoor storage tracks. The building was awarded [[LEED Gold]] certification for its sustainable construction, including a [[green roof]] and [[solar panel]]s, and also houses administrative offices for the streetcar system.<ref name="OMPlan2012"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=November 6, 2013 |title=Streetcar garage, or Seattle's new Chia Pet? |url=http://blogs.seattletimes.com/today/2013/11/streetcar-garage-or-seattles-new-chia-pet/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[South Lake Union Streetcar]]
* [[Waterfront Streetcar]]
{{clear}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Attached KML|display=inline,title}}

* {{Commons category inline|First Hill Streetcar}}
* [https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/getting-around/transit/streetcar/first-hill-line/ First Hill Line]

{{Capitol Hill, Seattle}}
{{Puget Sound Transit}}

[[Category:2016 establishments in Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Railway lines opened in 2016]]
[[Category:Sound Transit]]
[[Category:Streetcars in Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Transportation in Seattle]]