SEATTLE - The grand opening for the new Lake Union streetcar is set for Wednesday.

KING

The South Lake Union Streetcar will make a stop every 15 minutes at 11 stops.

The first official run will embark from the Westlake Center hub at 12:12 p.m. Mayor Greg Nickels will host the opening ceremony.

Select stations along the line will hold special events and give away prizes during the first day of service.

Passengers who ride the Streetcar during the first week of operations can pick up an "I Rode the Streetcar" sticker, which entitles wearers to receive discounts and freebies at participating shops, restaurants, businesses and attractions all along the streetcar line.

The streetcar will run daily at 15 minute intervals, with 11 stops between the corner of Fairview and Ward and the corner of Westlake and Olive. The 2.6-mile line connects the South Lake Union area with the downtown retail core around Westlake center.

The streetcars are designed to operate in traffic and share lanes with cars, trucks, and buses.

Rides are free through the month of December. After that the fare is $1.50. Operating hours through the end of the year are Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday and holidays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.