SEATTLE - The new South Lake Union streetcar, which will connect downtown Seattle to the South Lake Union area, got its first official test on Monday.  

First behind the wheel was Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels.

"I think I did all right, but I'm going to leave it to the professionals once we get up and running," he said.

This mode of transportation is the latest addition to South Lake Union.  Developers are hoping it will help expand the revitalization effort in the neighborhood. Much of the area is being redeveloped by Vulcan Inc., a company owned by billionaire Paul Allen.

Nickels said the challenge in Seattle is finding alternatives to automobile commuting.

"So for this neighborhood, where we expect between 15,000 and 20,000 new jobs to be created, and new buildings, and 8,000 or 10,000 new housing units, this is going to be a great way for someone to go out their front door and hop on the streetcar and get where they want to go," he said.

While city officials and the press got a chance to test out the streetcar Monday it will be at several weeks before the public will have a chance to ride.

While the city is busy generating excitement, engineers still have a lot of work to do.  Beginning this week, technicians will test all the inner workings, most importantly the cars' ability to pick up speed and stop. 

Now here's something to remember, the streetcar will run like a car. It will be up to drivers and pedestrians to listen for the warning bell.

Nickels said the streetcars have been painted bright colors so they will stand out and be highly visible.

"I think over time people will begin to see it just as part of the urban landscape and they will take care when they're around it," he said.

Officials say the $50.5 million project should be completed and have streetcars running in December. Passengers will pay $1.25 to $1.50 to ride.