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Train headways that were once as brief as 6 minutes pre-pandemic (and were targeted to be 8 minutes) are now heading to ten minutes or more due to vehicle shortages and other financial challenges. Photo credit: Sound Transit
Urban Planner Stephen Fessler published an insightful op-ed in the Urbanist this week, with his suggestions for Sound Transit to get in front of their looming Link Light Rail capacity issues. I hope Sound Transit gives the ideas the consideration they deserve. In previous posts I’ve mentioned that Link Light Rail is running into vehicle shortages, and Mr. Fessler’s suggestions could potentially help mitigate these.
When Sound Transit’s Bus Rapid Transit Stride service gets implemented in Renton in 2028 (originally planned for 2024 ), it will drop passengers at Tukwila and Bellevue Link light rail stations. Link must have capacity and frequent service for the system to offer value to Renton commuters.
An excerpt from Mr. Fessler’s op-ed: “Ultimately, Sound Transit and its board need to understand that Link isn’t a bus, and the agency shouldn’t be in the business of treating it as such. Voters and partner agencies have approved billions of dollars to construct Link exactly because it’s a train, not a bus. But 10-minute frequencies and short trains tell the tale that Link is being run like a glorified bus. A rail line needs high frequencies and sufficient capacity to serve as the backbone of the regional transit network.”
I was so looking forward to my kids using Sound Transit, but the rate things are going, perhaps my grandkids may finally get to use it.
Randy, Renton should have light rail running in these areas:
1. Downtown Renton to Bothell (405 light rail)
2. Renton to Rainier Beach (merge with 1 line)
and/or
3. Renton to Tukwila International Blvd. Station (connect to 1 line)
These options will be highly convenient for Renton commuters to Seattle and Bellevue, along with options for those heading South.
Not only is this convenient for Renton but also other cities. A Bothell to SeaTac line can be useful for everyone in the Eastside…
A brief route from Renton to Rainier Beach merging with the one line will also make convenient travel from Renton to Seattle.
But instead the light rail goes to Issaquah? They have Excellent bus service and I-90… why do they need it over Renton?
These questions must be brought up.
Ask Ed Prince. He voted away Renton’s last hope for funding on the Sound Transit board.
Because he likes to fund other cities transit over his own.
Again, Ed has to see the big picture for all of Sound Transit. Just because he’s our representative doesn’t mean he can only look out for us. By being generous, he is ensuring the whole system runs effectively and not just for our narrow purposes.
So what are we all going to do about it?
Nothing. Keep electing donothings.
Last opinion… A Renton to Maple Valley rapid bus service could be useful as well. Perhaps along Petrovitsky. Maybe a light rail along 169. These are obviously futuristic and unrealistic…maybe 2050 or later.
Did you hear about Carmen Rivera going into small business this last weekend and trying to badger them into supporting Raise the Wage Renton? Left one small business owner in tears because Carmen told them that they she couldn’t wait till they closes!
Honestly, if any Renton council member endorses her this next election, I’m going to be surprised. Endorsing someone so toxic will have election consequences.
FYI Carmen, we have all your racist and sexist #CoCoAmelia tweets. Why Ben didn’t use will always remain a mystery. He knew about them and wanted to keep the election above board.
Don’t expect us to sit on the sidelines this next election. This is going to be fun!
Stop spreading hate. Carmen Rivera is a known fighter for fairness and spoke harsh truths to a business owner more focused on profit than people. Let’s support her and not tear her down.
Ed Prince: Brought to you by Comcast?
Among the funding Ed Prince got for his campaign was a sizable donation from Comcast.
Why?
Going to be interesting. Google fiber may be interested in Renton. Hope our elected representatives will vote fairly on the merits and not just for who donated to their campaign.
Hi Randy,
Do you know why the Stride 1 BRT (from Burien to Bellevue) will be skipping North Renton? It seems like a pretty large missed opportunity. Especially since WSDOT is still planning on building the NE 8th street hov direct access ramp.
“I-405/North 8th Street Direct Access Ramp Project”
https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/major-projects/i-405sr-167-corridor-program
Or are these just regular ramps and not like the 6th street one’s in bellevue/ totem lake that allow the bus to continue straight on?
(Sorry I know slightly unrelated topic, but this was the nearest transporation topic article so I thought close enough)