On March 27th RATP Dev America – the company responsible for operations and maintenance on the DC Streetcar – celebrates one month of service to passengers in the Nation's Capital.
"The DC Streetcar is a historic project," said Catherine Chardon, chief executive officer of RATP Dev America. "We congratulate the D.C. Department of Transportation on bringing a streetcar back to the city after 54 years. We are delighted to have been selected as the service operator and to be serving passengers on the DC Streetcar."
Speaking about the work on the DC Streetcar Mirchaye Kebede, director of operations, said, "The majority of the 51 people working on the DC Streetcar have been recruited and trained locally. This is our city and so it means a lot to all of us to be a part of this project."
"Seeing so many people get aboard for the first time is exciting", said Cleve Cleveland, DC Streetcar general manager. "We have trained hard and it is great to be up and running."
"RATP Dev brings experience from operating transportation systems in 15 countries and 4 continents," said Steve Bethel, managing director of RATP Dev's Streetcar Operations. "We are committed to the city and to delivering the highest quality of service."
RATP Dev America, which is part of RATP Group, brings 100 years of public transportation experience to the service. RATP Dev's operations in the US span 40 locations in 18 states, serving 80 million passengers a year.
RATP Dev America is responsible for ensuring operations and maintenance on the streetcar for five years, with possible extensions up to 20 years.
"It's an important milestone for RATP Dev America, " added Catherine Chardon. "We look forward to building our partnership with the city in the years to come."
