Streetcar user's guide

For riders

Fares:

Free during December. After that:

Adults: $1.50 at peak times, 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday; $1.25 off-peak.

Seniors: 65 and older, and people with disabilities, 50 cents.

Youth: ages 6 to 17, 50 cents.

Children 5 and younger: free.

Passes: King County Metro passes and the Puget Pass are accepted.

Hours of operation: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday and holidays.

Frequency: every 15 minutes.

How to pay: The farebox is in the middle of the car. Slip coins, a $1 bill or a $5 bill into the machine to get a ticket. Be ready to show the ticket or a transit pass to an inspector.

How to save: Rides are free from Wednesday's opening day through Dec. 31.

How to board: Get on at any of 11 stations; most are along the sidewalk. Each station will have a satellite-linked screen, showing when the next train will arrive.

How to know where to go : Maps will be posted at the stations. Or, check www.seattlestreetcar.org.

FOR DRIVERS

How to drive near the streetcars: Proceed wisely through crowded intersections, so as not to wind up stopped on the tracks. Avoid sudden turns and lane changes in front of the trains.

How to park: Maneuver your car close to the curb, making sure wheels and mirrors are inside the solid white safety line, so a streetcar won't sideswipe the driver's side. Also, watch for a train before opening doors.

FOR BICYCLISTS

How to bike: New rails in the curb lanes of Westlake Avenue create a serious safety hazard because bicycle tires can get caught in track grooves. Always cross train tracks at a perpendicular angle. Bicycles are allowed on the streetcars.