March 8, 2011

Prototype streetcar being evaluated for use in Dallas

One of the streetcars being considered by the City of Dallas took a test drive on DART Rail tracks March 8, transporting DART officials and news media between Akard, Victory and Baylor University Medical Center stations.

The ameriTRAM™ prototype is manufactured by Kinkisharyo, the maker of DART's light rail vehicles. The ameriTRAM™ is electric and is powered by either overhead catenary, like DART Rail, or on-board lithium-ion batteries. The vehicle can travel up to five miles on a full charge. It is 100% low floor and fully accessible. DART is working as a technical advisor with the City of Dallas on a number of streetcar projects, including the planned connection to Oak Cliff, a connection with the McKinney Avenue Trolley and a future downtown streetcar network.

ameriTRAM™ and DART Rail at Akard Station
High resolution JPG
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