The District Department of Transportation selected Oregon Iron Works Inc. (OIW) to manufacture two modern streetcars for the DC Streetcar system.
The new vehicles will be built in the U.S. and will run — along with the three vehicles the District already owns — on the H Street/Benning Road line beginning in 2013. The proposed Cooperative Purchase Agreement sent to the Council utilizes an existing contract for streetcar vehicles between Oregon Iron Works and the city of Portland, Ore.
“This contract, which we have sent to the Council for consideration, reaffirms our commitment to begin streetcar service in the District next year,” said D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray. “Investing in streetcars makes sense both economically and environmentally, and we must continue to move forward with the program.”
OIW was founded in 1944 and now has more than $100 million in annual sales and 400 skilled craftsmen and support employees. It is the only domestic manufacturer of streetcar vehicles and has the only streetcar test track in the U.S. for testing vehicles before they are delivered.
Oregon Iron Works to build streetcars for D.C. DOT
Will manufacture two streetcars for the DC Streetcar system. The new vehicles will be built in the U.S. and will begin running in 2013.
More Rail

Funding Gap Could Force Caltrain to Slash Service, Close Stations
The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board recently met for a budget workshop, during which staff outlined the significant service reductions Caltrain could be forced to make without new external funding.
Read More →
SEPTA Purchases Montreal Coach Cars to Bolster Regional Rail Fleet
Funding for the purchase of the railcars comes from the nearly $220 million in additional capital dollars Gov. Josh Shapiro allocated in November 2025 to support urgent safety upgrades and infrastructure improvements.
Read More →
South Shore Line Extension Debuts, Boosting Rail Access in Northwest Indiana
The $945 million project connects four new stations and expands regional mobility.
Read More →
High-Speed Rail May Boost Brain Health, New Study Finds
Research ties rail access to lower depression, better cognition and improved air quality.
Read More →
Massachusetts Announces Summer Savings for Commuter Rail Riders
With major events and increased travel expected across the state this summer, the Administration is focused on making sure people have a reliable, affordable alternative to driving so we can reduce congestion, support daily commuters, and keep Massachusetts moving.
Read More →
Sound Transit Opens Crosslake Connection, Completing Link 2 Line
The final seven-mile segment of the 2 Line includes new stations at Mercer Island and Judkins Park and connects to the 1 Line at the International District/Chinatown Station. The Link light rail system now spans 63 miles and includes 50 stations.
Read More →
SEPTA Set to Begin Major Rehabilitation Project Along M Line
From March 29 through May 9, shuttle buses will replace train service between Bridgeport Station and Norristown Transit Center. Train service will operate as normal between Bridgeport Station and 69th Street Transit Center.
Read More →
LA Metro Board Advances K Line Northern Extension Through Fairfax and West Hollywood
The project will create the first continuous north-south rail line in the LA basin, connecting major job centers, transit lines, and communities.
Read More →
DART's President/CEO Announces Departure from Agency
Nadine S. Lee, who has served as president/CEO since July 2021, said the decision comes after careful reflection on the agency’s progress and its path forward.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Alstom in Houston, DATTCO Makes Acquisition, and More
In this edition of Biz Briefs, we highlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility — from manufacturers and technology providers to transit agencies and motorcoach service operators.
Read More →
