This post originally appeared on Orphan Road.
My commute patterns shifted a bit last month, with the result that I’m now riding from downtown to the UW two nights a week, using the bus tunnel and riding the 71/2/3/4 express to get there. This being the week that we break ground on University Link, it seemed like an appropriate time to reflect on the route, and some thoughts about the tunnel generally that have crossed my mind while riding:
(1) First of all, the tunnel rocks. Can we just take a minute and think about the awesomeness of a grade-separated, transit-only right-of-way through downtown? Infrastructure investments like this pay dividends for generations to come. Nicely done, 1980s Seattle.
(2) While the express trip from downtown to the UW is pretty snappy, it’s hampered by (a) the need to wind its way across Roosevelt Ave, and (b) the fact that the I-5 express lanes only run Northbound for part of the day. Obviously, light rail will make this better.
(3) Capacity is a problem. By rush hour, the express buses to the U-District are so packed they often can’t take on any more passengers at Westlake. They’re running as frequently as possible; the only real solution is higher-capacity transit. It can’t come soon enough.
(4) The lack of cell phone coverage (well, AT&T anyway) in the tunnel is frustrating. I’ve gotten so addicted to One Bus Away, that I feel naked and helpless waiting for a bus without cell phone reception. It should be pretty straightforward to post real-time bus arrival information in the tunnel. It would be nice to see that once the buses get true on-board GPS.
(5) It takes a while to get from the street down to the platform, at least at University Street and Westlake. I feel like I need to think more than I should, plot my route. There should be clearer signage and a more direct path down to the platforms. Obviously it would be easier if the platform was in the center and the buses came up alongside, but that’s not really possible given the location of the driver (one more disadvantage of BRT!).
Anyway — just some thoughts. I’m sure there will be more between now and 2016.
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