The $148 million Cincinnati Bell Connector opens to the public today, offering free rides all weekend long. The 3.6-mile route connects downtown into the popular Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.

"After a 65-year dry spell, Cincinnati will have an operating streetcar once again," according to an article by John London. "The newly-christened Cincinnati Bell Connector will officially start taking passengers on a 3.6-mile loop after a grand opening ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday."
London also discusses the complicated mayoral politics that preceded the streetcar's opening. The politicians involved in those past controversies, however, seem to have buried the hatchet for the day's events and celebrations.
The opening is also occurring while the system is down a streetcar. Chris Wetterich reports in a separate article that one of the system's five vehicles must be tested again after a brake problem sidelined it before the opening. The problem has been fixed but more testing is needed before it can enter service.
An article by Fox19 lists all the key statistics for understanding the scope of Cincinnati's new streetcar.
FULL STORY: Cincinnati streetcar begins operations Friday - like it or not

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