WMATA officials are moving forward with plans for a new, city-wide transit system to complement metrobuses and metrorail after the city approved a preliminary study for a new 2.7-mile transit line along the Anacostia waterfront.

Although WMATA is officially considering everything from regular buses to a new rail system, the most likely candidate is light rail transit something akin to the streetcar systems formerly found in most American cities.

With approval to move forward with the demonstration line along the Anacostia River, “It is the first time in a generation that D.C. officials have moved ahead with plans for a new transit system.” notes the Post in a July 3 story. The new transit line is part of the broader The Anacostia Waterfront Initiative, a pet project of Mayor Anthony Williams which could bring millions of dollars of new development to the Anacostia River waterfront.

Maps on WMATA advertisements and WMATA’s public website on the project feature a stop at the massive National Waterfront Project, a private development which recently recieved final approval, located along the Potamac River south of the Beltway.