Link is coming to Capitol Hill and Husky Stadium in early 2016. Metro and Sound Transit are working with the public to plan how bus service will connect with new light rail.
Thank you to the hundreds of people who showed up last night to testify to King County Councilmembers about bus changes (detailed here) proposed when Link light rail begins serving Capitol Hill and UW at Husky Stadium. Metro staff answered questions during an open house that preceded testimony.
Those in favor spoke of the new possibilities a frequent transit network will provide them, with connections to the regional light rail system. They spoke of how these changes will benefit thousands more who don’t use transit today because of the lack of frequency and connections in the current network. They urged council to act now rather than wait until light rail is extended to Northgate. Among those speaking in support were organizations representing the University of Washington, Futurewise, Transportation Choices Coalition and Solid Ground.
Opponents who spoke view the proposed changes as a degradation of their service – exchanging a one-seat ride for a two-seat ride, having to transfer at Montlake, concern about the effects of these changes on seniors and those with mobility issues, and said they doubt the ability of bus service to be as reliable as Metro is promising. Specific routes mentioned consistently were the 71, 72, 43, and changes to the 16 and 26X.
Some attendees live tweeted the comments being shared. You can read the commentary on social media using hashtag #Bus2Link.
The Transportation Economy and Environment Committee will hold a special meeting Oct. 14, 1:30-3:30 pm, to discuss and take action on the changes. It is expected that the changes will be before the full council at their meeting on Oct. 19.
You can still comment to council online using King County Council’s online comment form. Visit the King County Council’s website for details about the Council’s decision making process.