And +1 on center-running streetcars, unless they have a separated lane to the side.

Certain Amtrak locomotives have cruise control. Freight locomotives also have this feature but I believe it is only good for below 5mph.

There are also the intangible benefits of level boarding, a clear route, and being out of the weather. I remember the first meeting I had at SBRI on Westlake a few years ago and I thought it would just take a couple minutes to walk down there. Looks so close on the map. Wrong! On the other hand, this summer I did often walk for the benefit of being out in the nice weather.

And again, over 1300 riders per day makes it a middling Metro route but by no means low performing. As alexjonlin pointed out it’s very short so per mile it’s impressive. However as I’m sure Bernie will mention again it is expensive because there’s a streetcar base supporting just one route, and it doesn’t look like we’ll be getting the Central Streetcar extension any time soon.

Here, they have an opportunity to really engage the community, and build excitement and support for both this magnificent structure, and our new transit options, but all they have is a lame website, and a project manager who refuses to return calls (and when she finally does, she has all the personality of a dust rag).

When is the escalator coming out? What is the plan for the surface space that the odor control facility construction site was occupying? When is the ceiling in the waiting room coming down? What is the long-range plan for the upper floors? Are they accepting proposals for businesses who might want a presence in the station?

I work for the city myself, so I am not expecting much, but this project is particularly poorly run from a public input standpoint.

I was at the Forum, and it was just one of the strange questions/responses that evening (which will be broadcast at some point on the Seattle Channel). I did not take their answers to mean that they all thought it was a failure.

Unfortunately, stupid Yes/No/Waffle questions where one waves a sign don’t offer much room for comment. I was equally surprised when everyone who had just said how much they support the Waterfront Tunnel also said that they think the North Portal needs to be reconfigured for NW access. I don’t disagree, but I expect that would drive up costs. As would the responses that we should look into adding Downtown entrances/exits, which would be impossible.

I favor one westbound track up Stewart, turn south on 1st or 2nd Ave, turn east on Pike, turn north on 6th and reconnect, about 1 mile of track with 4 stops. This would triple ridership overnight and necessitate one or two more streetcars. SDOT plans show a two-track extension on Stewart, but includes a tie-in to the proposed line on 1st Ave. Just do the simple extension. Turning south on 2nd would simplify those turns – they wouldn’t have to cross traffic.

Mike McGinn is entirely correct to oppose the Deep-bore. It’s not the best tunnel option for managing traffic, for creating the best new Alaskan Way and most construction jobs, etc etc. Mike has the courage to fight for what’s right. Mallahan is the heir apparent, replacement CEO boss.