HDR to manage D.C. streetcar project
The 37-mile-long planned streetcar system touches every ward within the District, with a network of new streetcar lines operating in eight corridors, often connecting neighborhoods with Metro rail stations.
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has selected HDR Engineering Inc. to provide program management services for implementation of a 37-mile-long system of streetcar transit infrastructure and services throughout the District of Columbia. The $10 million, three-year contract has two one-year extension options.
The planned streetcar system is the result of more than 14 years of planning and touches every ward within the District, with a network of new streetcar lines operating in eight corridors, often connecting neighborhoods with Metro rail stations. Its purpose is to provide high-capacity, high-quality transit circulator service to District residents while catalyzing economic development.
The Progressive Transportation Services Administration within DDOT will begin working immediately with HDR and its project partner, Shiels Obletz Johnsen Inc., on developing and implementing strategies for continued planning and project development, operator selection, vehicle procurement, communications, financial planning and governance.
Other firms on the HDR team include Zimmer Gunsful Frasca Architects LLP, Jeffrey A. Parker & Associates, LTK Engineering Services Inc., Ball Janik LLP, Andrea Ferster Law Offices and Collaborative Strategies.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to provide program management support and expertise for this extensive streetcar system,” said David Vozzolo, HDR’s program director. “It will provide a critical circulator benefit to District residents in neighborhoods not directly served by Metrorail, while providing economic development opportunities. We also are very aware of the significance of this streetcar investment in the nation’s capital.”
More Rail

FTA Ends Direct Oversight of MBTA Safety Actions
The federal agency closed its remaining special directive to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities following a safety review that began in 2022.
Read More →
Amtrak, CN Reach Agreements to Strengthen Passenger Rail Service, Safety
The agreement resolves a more than decade-long proceeding before the Surface Transportation Board concerning the terms and conditions for Amtrak services, such as the City of New Orleans, Illini/Saluki, and Wolverine.
Read More →
New York MTA Advances Final Contract for Second Avenue Subway Expansion
Contract Four is the largest in the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project and includes construction of station infrastructure, tracks, and signals for the subway expansion, MTA officials said. Work on Contract Four will begin in 2027.
Read More →
San Diego MTS Breaks Monthly Trolley Ridership Record
Agency officials said July’s ridership indicates MTS’s continued recovery from the pandemic.
Read More →
Report Examines NJ TRANSIT Reliability, Funding Challenges
The Garden State Initiative analysis examines the roles of Amtrak infrastructure, fleet management, and agency operations while recommending a more performance-based approach to improving reliability.
Read More →
Stadler, CapMetro Sign Long-Term Rail Fleet Support Agreement
Beginning in 2027, Stadler will provide on-site technical expertise, spare parts support, training, and obsolescence management to help extend the reliability and longevity of CapMetro’s GTW fleet.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Alstom Lands Canadian Contract, LYT to Supply California TSP, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Complete Coach Works, Beep, FlixBus, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
CATS Gold Line Marks 5 Years of Service, 2.8M Passenger Trips
With a six-mile expansion planned, the Charlotte streetcar is positioned to connect more neighborhoods and major transit hubs across the region.
Read More →
Why Simulating Pedestrian Movement Has Become Essential for Modern Rail Stations
Pedestrian microsimulation is helping rail planners identify bottlenecks, test station designs, and prepare complex transit hubs for growing passenger volumes.
Read More →
Amtrak Begins Major Construction at New York’s Sunnyside Yard
The new maintenance facility will support Amtrak’s Airo trainsets while improving maintenance efficiency and turnaround times in New York.
Read More →