As Arlington moves forward with its Columbia Pike and Crystal City streetcar projects, the County Board has called in some experts for a bit of advice.

Tonight (Thursday) at Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street), from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., the Board will hold a work session with representatives from various transit North American transit agencies that have experience implementing light rail systems in different communities. The work session will take place in the library’s auditorium and is open to the public.

A panel of about a half dozen transit officials, from places like Denver, Minneapolis, Utah and Canada, are expected to give presentations about their light rail experiences. The Board will then ask questions of the panel, on topics like system design, construction and financing.

“Basically it’s a chance for the Board members to pick their brains on what worked, what didn’t work, and what the challenges were,” said county spokeswoman Mary Curtius.

Arlington invited elected officials from Alexandria and Fairfax County to the work session, but it’s unclear whether representatives from those jurisdictions will attend.

Photo by “Garrett” via Wikipedia