Keeping Tabs: Free Wifi! A Streetcar to National Harbor?

Streetcar being tested on H St NE.

Keep in mind that this item is in the pre-study phase, not at all close to reality. Yet. The District Department of Transportation is asking for monies to study the possibility of extending the Anacostia Initial line south out of the city, all the way down to the National Harbor development in Oxon Hill, MD. This would be a commissioned study and any implementation would be years down the road. However, the possibility of adding another transit option to/from the growing development (especially for moving tourists/visitors from National Harbor into DC) is intriguing at the least. Again, keep in mind that as of today, we still don't have functioning streetcar service in DC. At best, we are 4-5 months out from when when the H St-Benning line begins revenue service.

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In other transit news, the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority and WMATA are *thiiiiissssss* close to transferring the much delayed Silver Line project to WMATA. MWAA has handled the construction of the extension of Metrorail into Tysons Corner and Reston, while WMATA has been waiting to take over and actually operate the line. My rough estimate for opening: September 2014.

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Free wifi in NoMa? Yes, according to NoMa Business Improvement District. The BID has installed wireless routers along streets and sidewalks throughout the neighborhood. For now, the free, public service is available along First St NE from H St to New York Ave, L St NE from North Capitol to First and a few other side streets. They plan to expand the service as time goes on. Pretty cool!