The 12/08/13
and 12/11/13 posts have detailed the problems with Sound Transits current plans
for implementing the Prop 1 extensions the public approved in the 2008
referendum. The bottom line is the
combination of the Seattle tunnel limitations and the high operating costs for
light rail trains should force an end to all the extensions.
If allowed
to proceed, the $20 billion ($2007 dollars) Sound Transit will spend on light
rail over the next ten years will do absolutely nothing to relieve the areas
already serious congestion problems.
The East Link confiscation of the I-90 Bridge center roadway for light
rail will actually increase congestion.
When the extensions are completed (2023) the operating costs for the
longer routes will make 4-car trains prohibitively expensive and necessitate
huge subsidies, even for 2-car trains.
The end result will be a huge public debt, a light rail line with limited
capacity, and an operating deficit that will perpetually drain the areas
transportation funds. Even more
absurd, the Prop 1 commuters’ transit times will be longer than existing, or
what could easily be available bus routes.
The
alternative is to limit light rail to a trunk line between University and
SeaTac that will allow the use of 4-car trains at least during the peak commute
hours. Add a T/C at the University
light rail station, initiate BRT service on both 520 and I-90 Bridges, and expedite
adding the 4th lanes to the I-90 bridge outer roadways. The University T/C would add the
thousands of 520 commuters needed to make light rail viable financially. 520
and 1-90 BRT would provide Seattleites with easy access to Eastside and allow
eastside commuters to leave their cars at P&R lots near where they live
reducing congestion throughout the area.
The 4th lanes on 1-90 Bridge would reduce transit times for
those choosing to drive.
All of the
alternatives could be done for a fraction of the $20 billion cost and in far
less time than the 10 years required for Prop 1. The remaining funds could be used to help fund Metro, the
520 bridge rebuild, the tunnel replacing the viaduct, and needed improvements
to 405. Again the choice is clear.
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