This week the stranger is running an article by Erica Barnett about the likelihood of Sound Transit coming back on the ballot. Nothing in there should be new to those who read this blog regularly. The possible plans for 2008 are mentioned, essentially a .4% plan with Light Rail to Northgate and Bellevue, and buses and sounder elsewhere.
Where Mrs Barnett brings something new is with the direct quotes from politicians.
“It’s unfortunate that we can’t go to a bigger system, but we’re digging our way out of a 35-year hole,” says King County Council Member Larry Phillips, a supporter of the 2008 proposal. “The public told us, ‘give us fewer projects to consider that give us a bigger bang for the buck.’ So that’s what we did.”
It’s a good summary of where we are.
I’d like to see much bigger rail investment–I thought ST2 was far too little.
On the other hand, given the political environment this is probably the best deal we can hope to see pass right now. My hope is that this passes, and then the central line opens, and then there’s a surge in interest in building more rail as quickly as possible.
Actually I think for now, this is exactly what people wanted and stands a good chance.
Rail wise, Light Rail to Northgate and Downtown Bellevue is simple. Increasing Sounder (which might include new stations at Broad Street in Seattle and Dupont, Wa) and increasing to all day service (30 trains a day from 18) and the hint of at least 2 trains on Saturday and Sunday.. perfect.
I think a very reasonable scenario is that this is passed this year, and then ST3, which could be much larger once support builds at the end of 2009, passes in Nov 2010.