New El Paso streetcar testing phase underway

You will start seeing El Paso’s streetcars more often starting Tuesday.

The city announced it will begin pre-revenue service. That means the streetcars will be on the road during the proposed hours of operation, but without passengers — only drivers.

This is the next step for Sun Metro before it can launch the streetcar service for the public. The city hopes to make them fully operational with passengers by November.

Another difference in this new testing phase is that vehicles will no longer be escorting the streetcars.

It’s important that the streetcars be allowed to operate throughout the route with no blocks or delays during the pre-revenue service period, the city said.

Authorities will enforce all traffic ordinances that could potentially stop the streetcar from operating. Vehicles that are parked on the streetcar tracks or impede the streetcar from moving forward, will be fined and towed.

The city gave a few important safety tips to keep in mind:

– Do not board the streetcar even if the doors open at a station during this testing phase.

– Avoid driving in the bus Lane along Oregon. It’s designated strictly for street and bus use, unless a right-hand turn is necessary.

– Drivers should not go around or cut off the streetcar. The streetcar can start moving unexpectedly. If a streetcar is stopped for an extended period of time due to an interruption, it will turn on hazard lights, indicating that it is OK to go around it.

– Pedestrians should be extra careful. Even at posted un-signalized crosswalks, the streetcar cannot make abrupt stops.

– Cyclists should avoid riding near streetcar tracks. Track grooves are slightly wider than the typical bike tire, so it’s easy for tires to become caught between the rails. Always cross rails at a 90 degree angle.

These are the proposed hours of operation (which are also the times when the streetcars will be tested):

Monday – Thursday

7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Friday

7:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.

Saturday

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.

Sunday

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Visit sunmetro.net/streetcar for more safety videos and information. You can also call 915-212-3333.