KC Streetcar night testing its newest rail vehicle

KC Streetcar has begun overnight testing its newest streetcar, #807, following conclusion of service on Feb. 7. This marks the first time that #807 traveled along the downtown streetcar route after in-shop inspections and testing.  

Just five days after its arrival from Elmira, N.Y., KC Streetcar #807 hit the tracks under its own power to perform nighttime testing. This first test run of #807 was conducted along Main Street between 18th Street and Pershing Road and included various propulsion and brake tests. During that time, Main Street was closed to all traffic and on-street parking was prohibited between 18th Street and Pershing Road. Members of the streetcar project team, including KC Streetcar Authority, the city of Kansas City, Mo., Herzog Transit Services Inc. and CAF (manufacturer of the streetcar vehicles), worked collaboratively on this first test run of the KC Streetcar #807.

CAF-manufactured streetcars contain three different braking systems: friction, dynamic and track (emergency) brakes. Nighttime tests will monitor all three braking systems and are performed with empty, or light load, streetcars, as well as fully loaded and weighted streetcars to simulate crowded and max loaded streetcars. Upcoming test runs will include further tests of the brake system in various scenarios, including under maximum vehicle speeds of 43 mph. During on-route testing, the public is asked to keep a safe distance from crews while tests are being performed. Any automobiles in unsafe proximity to testing will be towed. 

Since its arrival on February 2, KC Streetcar #807 has gone through a series of inspections and static (non-movement) vehicle tests within the Singleton Yard Vehicle Maintenance Facility. These inspections included visual inspections and systems checks (vehicle leveling, interior sensors, door mechanisms, etc.). KC Streetcar #807 will go through several weeks of testing before being put into public operation once all tests are successfully completed and the streetcar is deemed safe for passenger service. 

As with the original streetcars, each new streetcar is a bi-directional vehicle approximately 77 feet long and weighs 78,000 lbs. New streetcars will come with new interior displays showing next stop arrivals, an enhanced on-board video surveillance system and other system upgrades including exterior lights, air compressors, train-to-wayside communication system and an advanced driver assist system (ADAS). All existing streetcars will be retrofit to meet the new specifications.