More Savannah Streetcar

I received this comment from Gary L. (Maybe this Gary L?) on the last Savannah post tonight but thought it would be of interest to everyone.

Savannah first began talking about a streetcar on River Street when the waterfront was rebuilt in 1975. They actually acquired the former Norfolk Southern freight branch trackage in 2001. About that same time they bought Melbourne W-5 car 756 from Gale Creek Enterprises. The car was delivered back to Savannah on Wednesday afternoon Novemeber 19th. It unloaded itself under power off of the trailer onto tracks at the Roundhouse Museum.

Training of motormen will take place next week, with operations on River Street to start around December 10th.

This is to our knowledge the only self powered hybrid streetcar in existence. It is 21st century technology packed in a 62 year old body. It can accelerate as fast as a PCC car and has been set up with a top speed of 28 mph. This is because on River Street it will not be save to travel even that fast. Tests so far have seen it use less than 1.5 gallons per hour.

It is fully ADA compatible with two wheelchair lifts installed in the stairwells.

Here's a video of the Melbourne vehicle: