Prior to the October 2nd Northgate Link debut Seattle Times Traffic Lab articles heralded its benefits, typifying the paper's more than decade long cheerleading of Prop 1 extensions. The September 26th article, "Transit Transformation" described it as "Light rail ready to open at Northgate, changing more than just commutes". It included the following regarding Northgate Link benefits:
Sound Transit has estimated the new Northgate, Roosevelt, and U-District stations that open Saturday will attract a combined 42,000 to 49.000 riders per day.
The article reported benefits included "neighborhoods are growing" with "additional housing units near stations at Northgate, Roosevelt, and UW". The paper reported thousands participated in opening-day ceremonies.
The Sound Transit Board would seemingly welcome the chance to herald the results of nearly 4 weeks of this "Transit Transformation" in their October 28th meeting. Tell the public how many of the 42,000 to 49,000 projected daily riders took advantage of riding the link. How much those benefits cost per rider, the fares they paid, and whatever costs those fares failed to pay.
Yet the Agenda for the October 28th Sound Transit Board Meeting includes the normal "Consent Agenda" to approve 5 items, 6 "Business Items", one of which established a "CEO Selection Committee for the next CEO", and a "Reports to the Board" limited to "Review of proposed 2022 Budget & Financial Plan Projections"
There was nothing in the "Report to the Board" agenda concerning initial Northgate Link ridership, costs, or fares. Any competent transit board would surely require the results of the Northgate Link debut to review 2022 budget and financial plan dealing with another year and $2-3 billion more in spending.
The fact they didn't says they're not. The fact the Seattle Times Traffic Lab apparently abets their decision says they're not alone.
No comments:
Post a Comment