In the first signs of life for the beleaguered transit project in over a year, Seattle officials found some of the money they need to proceed with the Central City Connector streetcar project.
"On Tuesday, the Seattle City Council’s transportation committee will consider a proposal to continue work on the Center City Connector by authorizing $9 million in engineering work," reports Doug Trumm.
If approved, the new funding could be the first positive movement for the streetcar project since Mayor Jenny Durkan halted work on the project in March 2018 dude to budget concerns. The Central City Connector has been a topic of hot debate in the city ever since.
To support the renewal of the the Central City Connector project, the Seattle Department of Transportation has ridership data in the First Hill Streetcar showing a 31 percent increase, and total streetcar rides in the city reached 1.7 million in 2018.
"The Center City Connector would extend the First Hill Streetcar and link to the South Lake Union Streetcar, making one unified line projected to attract about 20,000 daily riders basically as soon as it opens," explains Trumm. "That’s more than the busiest bus in Seattle."
FULL STORY: As Streetcar Ridership Grows, SDOT Requests $9 Million for Connector Work
A Streetcar Hangs in the Balance in Seattle
A new streetcar extension would complete Seattle's streetcar network in a particularly busy corner of the city's downtown. The mayor doesn’t seem enthused with the idea, even if riders are already enthused with streetcars.
Seattle's First Hill Streetcar 'Soft Opened' on Saturday
The long-delayed First Hill streetcar offered its first trips to the public last weekend in Seattle. Big questions about the operation and effectiveness of the streetcar still remain.
Has Seattle Found the Way Forward for Streetcars?
A planned streetcar line in Seattle will have its own dedicated lane, but perhaps even more interesting is that the existing South Lake Union Streetcar could also get a lane dedicated to transit. Is Seattle's leadership a way forward for streetcars?
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
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A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
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