Photo via DDOT.

Passenger service on D.C.’s first streetcar line in decades is expected to begin before the month end, Mayor Vince Gray said in a statement.

The outgoing Mayor announced earlier this week that, despite promises, the 2.4-mile streetcar line on H Street and Benning Road NE would not begin passenger service by the end of 2014. Instead, mayor-elect Muriel Bowser, who will be sworn in Friday morning, is expected to cut the ribbon during the week of January 19.

“DDOT and District safety inspectors continue to work together to open the DC Streetcar to passenger service,” Gray said in a statement. “Safety continues to be our top priority. And while we know that the first day of service is going to be a great day for District residents, we don’t want to rush for the sake of rushing. With that in mind, though, I am now delighted to report that the week of January 19, 2015 is the target for getting H Street up to full speed.”

Since the planning stages, D.C.’s new streetcar system has faced issues, from disputes over the overhead wires to delays.