Seattle has had a light rail system for several years that connects downtown with the airport. Only recently has it expanded to Capitol Hill and the University District. Yesterday I used the train for the first time as part of my bike commute.
The infrastructure for the light rail expansion involved more than just digging a hole, although that was a feat in itself. Access to the station (and the University of Washington’s stadium and basketball court) for bicyclists and pedestrians was completely overhauled so one does not have to risk life and limb to cross what I charitably refer to as “The Montlake Mess.” The landscaping and station do not obstruct views of the mountains or the campus, and the paved walks provide easy links to the Burke-Gilman Trail. Ramps, stairs, escalators, and elevators supply universal access. Whereas the buses up Capitol Hill from the University only run every 15 minutes, the trains leave every 6 minutes during rush hours and are non-stop.
Infrastructure on Capitol Hill was also altered for its light rail station. The biggest innovation was addition of protected bike lanes along Broadway. When I first started bringing the bike to work, riding on Broadway required considerable chutzpah to dodge moving and parked vehicles. The bike lanes and separate traffic lights make the street much safer for commuting.
I opted to take the train back to the University to see what the afternoon commute was like. The train was more crowded at 4:45 pm than it was at 6:30 am, but it still saved a lot of time (and wear on my out-of shape bike knees). This could even make for a feasible walk and transit commute when my office moves closer to the Capitol Hill station later in the year.
Yesterday’s Seattle Times published an article on the expensive grand opening of the light rail stations at the University and on Capitol Hill. According to the article, Sound Transit has already recouped the cost of the party in greater-than-expected fares. I’d say it was money well spent, to convince folks that taking the train is a viable and attractive option.
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