The previous post raised doubts about whether the Sound Transit East Link Starter Line they've spent $42 million expediting, that costs $76,000 daily to operate, will attract 4000 to 5700 riders. The livestream video of the April Sound Transit Board’s April 27th meeting should raise doubts about the Board’s entire approach to the “largest transit system expansion in the country”.
This post details why the video of their approach to the Ballard Link exemplifies that concern. It involved Sound Transit informing the Board they were considering a “potential new alternative” that moved the Denny Station west and made minor changes to tunnel route. It detailed how both options would impact Westlake Ave, Denny Way, Harrison St, and 5thand 7th Ave. The new alternative would avoid affecting Westlake and 7th Ave and minimize impact on Denny Way. However, Harrison St and 5th Ave would have reduced GP Lanes for nine years.
The new alternative would also increase construction time from 8 to 9 years and were advised by the Transit Advisory Group (TAG) the delay would add $500 million to the $12.5B Ballard Link cost. The new alternative would move South Lake Union (SLU) station from 7th to 5th so Rapid Ride E would continue into downtown rather than terminate at (SLU). The result being KCM route 3-4 every 15 minutes from Seattle Pacific and Queen Anne Hill would be the only bus route terminated at SLU station..
The presentation included a chart comparing Performance, Construction effects, and Cost and Schedules for the Current preferred alternative and Potential new alternative. That Potential Board Action was anticipated at the May 9 System Expansion Committee and May 23 Board Meeting to choose between not to consider the new alternative, choose it later as the preferred alternative, or to choose it now as the preferred alternative.
No one considered a third alternative, no longer route light rail from Ballard to SODO. While the route was included in the ST3 Prop 1 voters approved in 2016, it’s already been delayed until 2039. Sound Transit has used the 2016 approval for $54B from 2017 to 2041 to evolve into spending $145B from 2017 to 2046 and leave a $28B debt in 2046.
Thus, not spending $12.5B and 10-15 years of disrupting downtown Seattle would surely be worth considering. Especially since Ballard, Queen Anne, Seattle Center, and South Lake Union all have access to transit into downtown. From the South Lake Union Streetcar and KCM Rapid Ride C from Lake Union, to Rapid Line D on 15th Ave through Ballard, and KCM Routes 1, 2, 3 and 4 commuters already have access to 24 hours of service. Route schedules vary from 7-8 min peak, 15-30 off peak, and hourly early morning
All the buses are currently routed to and from multiple stops on 3rd Ave. Again, if the new alternative is selected only routes 3 and 4 will be terminated at SLU. A dubious benefit as those riders along with those choosing to ride Ballard Link light rail will need to use new Westlake station for egress and access, far less convenient for most.
The bottom line is the Sound Transit Board needs to recognize their goal should be to improve transit into Seattle. That existing bus routes can do it better than light rail from Ballard. That East Link and West Seattle light rail can better serve their commuters if they’re terminated at a modified current CID station rather than routed through tunnels under Seattle. Use the existing DSTT for those needing to go further.
The benefits of saving billions and years of disruption are sure worthy of consideration.
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