The document discusses the transportation capacity of light rail compared to freeway lanes, highlighting that light rail's claimed capacity is based on 'crush' figures and does not account for actual ridership. It critiques the lack of investment in more efficient options like bus rapid transit and carpool programs, advocating for immediate improvements in the existing transportation system. The author argues for focusing on proven methods to reduce congestion and improve transit efficiency rather than heavily subsidizing light rail.

1. “Light rail has the capacity to move
16,000 people per hour. A single
general purpose freeway lane can
move just 2,000 cars per hour. “
Light Rail vs. Freeway Lane Claim
By Sound Transit
1. Capacity is not the same as number of actual riders
2. This is “crush” capacity – unheard of for light rail
3. Compared with one person per car. No buses, no
carpools
4. Buses in dedicated lanes can carry far more people than
light rail and can be ramped up to meet demand.
Facts

2. SWIFT Bus in Snohomish County
BRT “lite”
210/26/2016
• 16.7 miles
• Everett to 205th in Shoreline
• $32 million = $2 million/mile
(100 to 250 times less per mile than light rail)
• 1 mile of the U-link light rail could have paid for 250 miles of
Swift1 service
• 20% faster compared to regular bus
(peak speed similar to Central Link light rail)
• 12 – 20 min. frequency

3. THERE IS NO PLAN BY WSDOT, OUR
REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCY OR
SOUND TRANSIT TO ADDRESS
CONGESTION
“… PSRC has engaged with WSDOT and flagged the
topic for consideration as part of the scope of work
for the upcoming transportation update”
Response from the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) to 23 current
and former elected officials’ letter.
8.2.2016

4. We Can Go Faster, Farther, Sooner By Building on What
Works Best For Our Region
1. Continue investing in our high capacity, affordable, rapid bus system
that covers the whole Region within years not decades.
2. Finish the HOV system and commit to policies that keep it functioning
3. Realize the extraordinary potential of carpool and vanpool programs.
4. Recognize that new technologies will change the way we get around
5. Maintain our existing roads and bridges and fix the choke points that
lead to congestion
6. Spend money on the simple sidewalk, safe crosswalk and bike
path.
7. Identify real goals and performance measures and allow objective
analysis of the alternatives.
8. Put directly elected people in charge

5. Subsidizing Light Rail Is Like
Subsidizing The Landline Telephone
Scott Beyer Contributor, Forbes May 24, 2016