246 votes
Build new streetcars and restore the Waterfront Streetcar
Streetcars always get at least 50% higher ridership than buses along the same route, spur sustainable development, increase transit capacity, have very little operating cost (and can even be profitable) and are better for the environment. And the Waterfront Streetcar was a great tourist attractio... more
bamfmaster
I completely support this. In an era where Seattle proudly says how green it is, it doesn't make sense to shut down a mode of public transportation and the Waterfront Streetcar has a place in Seattle history. I'd like to see it's route expanded to go from the stadium district, across the waterfront and end at the Seattle Center. This could cut traffic down in the downtown area IMHO.
John
The South Lake Union Streetcar is fantastic. Unfortunately, the Northern terminus really doesn't service anyone as it falls almost a half mile short of the densely populated section of Eastlake. An extension of this line just to Lynn street would dramatically increase ridership. A single track is all that would be required (not double tracks). Even better would be an extension all the way to the University of Washington.
josh.griffith79
Subways and Elevated Trains have the benefit of an exclusive corridor, making them efficient and usually reliable. Streetcars and Trolleys DO NOT, but are fabulously expensive to install. -and statistically contribute to traffic congestion on that route. Buses are inexpensive comparatively and remain flexible, Not Fixed, assets. I say either commit to a subway or E-Train, or work to improve the buses. Streetcars are NOT the answer. (Thanks for reading)
Jim Rymsza, AIA
Having the waterfront streetcar in mothballs is beyond logic. Here we have the infrastructure in place, the vehicles ready to roll, and a willing and ready clientele. The benefits of firing up this sucker again far outweigh...outweigh..., hmmm, just why *is* it in mothballs anyway?????
sacharoff
The Waterfront Streetcar actually carried in excess of 400,000 passengers per year, rather than the 200,000 that an earlier poster suggested, and was given credit for revitalizing the economy of the Central Waterfront. They're not simply a way to get around, but kinetic artwork, and it's just a shame to see them in storage for some many years while elected officials want them to be forgotten. They're not just transportation, they're a trip.
Jack Edson Whisner
actually streetcars require $40 to 50 million per mile for construction.
Lars Watson
In the waterfront from Myrtle Edwards south to Washington Park, we will have a once in several generations opportunity to create something that can build on something that no other city has. A waterfront that looks out on Elliot bay and the Olympic mountains. The tearing down of the viaduct gives us the chance to make this something that downtown residents and visitors alike will be drawn to as a place to relax, find entertainment and to recreate. My idea is to de-emphasize auto traffic on this section, ... more
In the waterfront from Myrtle Edwards south to Washington Park, we will have a once in several generations opportunity to create something that can build on something that no other city has. A waterfront that looks out on Elliot bay and the Olympic mountains. The tearing down of the viaduct gives us the chance to make this something that downtown residents and visitors alike will be drawn to as a place to relax, find entertainment and to recreate. My idea is to de-emphasize auto traffic on this section, and encourage transit such as a streetcar as well as pedestrian use. This is a real gem that we need to work to bring out its beauty.
Greg Coe
Extend it to Pier 91. Put the trolley barn under the Magnolia Viaduct. Run the Trolley all the way to the entrance. Sever the line if and when the viaduct gets built at Pier 50 so it all connects to the Pier 70, 66, The Aquarium and the WSF. Once that segment of the Viaduct / Seawall is done, extend the OTHER end of the line from Main down Fifth Ave to Dearborn, then down Airport way to the METRO GARAGE for TROLLEYS!!!. If you really want to be efficient, then loop along Edgar Marinez Way back to ... more
Extend it to Pier 91. Put the trolley barn under the Magnolia Viaduct. Run the Trolley all the way to the entrance. Sever the line if and when the viaduct gets built at Pier 50 so it all connects to the Pier 70, 66, The Aquarium and the WSF. Once that segment of the Viaduct / Seawall is done, extend the OTHER end of the line from Main down Fifth Ave to Dearborn, then down Airport way to the METRO GARAGE for TROLLEYS!!!. If you really want to be efficient, then loop along Edgar Marinez Way back to the Waterfront and loop the line. Benson Trolley had 200,000 riders a year. Be sure you put a stop at SAM Park, and Amgen and run along the east edge of Myrtle Edwards. We own the land, the equipment, and right of way. We should be able to have this up within a YEAR.
James Mueller
Streetcars can be very cost-effective - they cost $3-4 million per mile as compared to $50-$100 million per mile for heavier systems like monorail.
They are perfect feeder lines to light rail stations and growth and community health follows the fixed rails because they are there for the long term.
As for operating costs - all transportation requires subsidy. Our largest subsidy goes to cars - $5,000 per car per year. Ouch.
Kathleen Anderson
Do street cars really make sense? That's an honest quetion--not a comment. Their tracks are pretty hazardous for bicycles and I have observed that they seem to slow other traffic. $53 million for the South Lake Union Trolley, for example, seem like a lot of money to tranport people such a short distance. I do not observe many riders, either.
Jerry Finrow
The streetcar is a good idea for many parts of the city where light rail will not go. I support the extension of the street car in SLU to the UW along Eastlake, that would be a good first step in addition to the first hill street car that is funded in Sound Transit 2.
buckley r
BUILD THE WATERFROUNT STREETCAR BARN NORTH BY THE GRAIN ELEVATORS.
AND BRING IT BACK!
ALSO IT COULD GO TO P-91 FOR THE CRUISE SHIP TERM.
Wendi Dunlap
The Waterfront Streetcar was a moneymaking tourist attraction as well as being functional -- and now, it would even connect with Link light rail, since the International District streetcar stop was just across the street from the ID/Chinatown tunnel station. (Not to mention connecting with Sounder and Amtrak.) Keep it as a symbol of the city that also helps us get around. But new streetcar lines are needed too -- the First Hill line should be a loop, and circulator lines feeding people to Link or high sp... more
The Waterfront Streetcar was a moneymaking tourist attraction as well as being functional -- and now, it would even connect with Link light rail, since the International District streetcar stop was just across the street from the ID/Chinatown tunnel station. (Not to mention connecting with Sounder and Amtrak.) Keep it as a symbol of the city that also helps us get around. But new streetcar lines are needed too -- the First Hill line should be a loop, and circulator lines feeding people to Link or high speed bus lines in Seattle neighborhoods would allow many more people to ditch their cars.
rizzuhjj
1st ave streetcar!
melissajonas
Support streetcars--buses only save money in the very short term.