I still argue, like many civil engineers at the beginning of the process, that it should've gone around the lake, connect at Tukwila International Blvd Station with a stop at one of the largest non-outlet shopping malls in the area, and avoided the floating bridges altogether. It would've added about 8 minutes to a one-way trip, from Bellevue to Seattle but would've added stops in Renton. Instead, all lines completely avoid the Boeing and Kenworth plants, the former being one of our largest employers.
This was clearly a way for Microsofties to get the public to subsidize their transportation costs, and nobody else.
The bridge segment will be responsible for shutting the line down between Seattle and Bellevue whenever wind gusts exceed 25mph and for "track maintenance." Sadly, it'll take a derailment before they realize their folly. This could've been done on time, safely, with more access to more people, and would've been reliable.
Instead, we've gotten 3+ years of delays so far, cost overruns, no service to parts of the region that needs it most and a future full of setbacks, delays and trip cancellations due to bridge closures.
What are the odds the East Side gets a parallel system that doesn't allow people from downtown Seattle in?
Starter line will give Microsoft guys a quick ride to Chik-fil-A. That’s about it.
Only the VERY elderly and children will use this. Everybody else will just drive their Tesla or Mercedes or Land Rover.
I still argue, like many civil engineers at the beginning of the process, that it should've gone around the lake, connect at Tukwila International Blvd Station with a stop at one of the largest non-outlet shopping malls in the area, and avoided the floating bridges altogether. It would've added about 8 minutes to a one-way trip, from Bellevue to Seattle but would've added stops in Renton. Instead, all lines completely avoid the Boeing and Kenworth plants, the former being one of our largest employers.
This was clearly a way for Microsofties to get the public to subsidize their transportation costs, and nobody else.
The bridge segment will be responsible for shutting the line down between Seattle and Bellevue whenever wind gusts exceed 25mph and for "track maintenance." Sadly, it'll take a derailment before they realize their folly. This could've been done on time, safely, with more access to more people, and would've been reliable.
Instead, we've gotten 3+ years of delays so far, cost overruns, no service to parts of the region that needs it most and a future full of setbacks, delays and trip cancellations due to bridge closures.
Ya here that Bellevue….
They'll soon be homeless coming your way since that's the only "clientele" that is currently utilizing the light rail!
I'm so excited about this!!!!. I'll be the older lady at the front of the line trying to be on the maiden run!!!
I don't want to hear about all the problems. I'm old and this is fun for me. 🎉
Can’t wait to see a billion dollar train with five people on it
I hope the Microsoft employees enjoy the expensive rides subsidized by the tax payers. That segment will be in the red until the whole line opens.
I need the europe feel!!! I lived in Europe for 7 years and this is going to remind me of home so much!!!