Councilmember Jan Drago
DRAGO: BACK TO THE FUTURE WITH A STREETCAR NETWORK
Councilmember excited by ideas for citywide streetcar system
SEATTLE- Councilmember Jan Drago, Chair of the Transportation Committee, is excited that the plans for a citywide streetcar network are coming together. Councilmember Drago said, “In the wake of the great response to the South Lake Union streetcar, we have the momentum to build a citywide network.” Yesterday, the Transportation Committee reviewed the ideas of three different groups that have been exploring a streetcar network: the grassroots Streetcar Alliance, the Seattle Department of Transportation, and a consultant to the Council itself. Councilmember Drago said, “I am very pleased with all the energy and ideas that the streetcar network has generated. Now our task is to take the best of all these ideas and combine them into one tangible proposal.”
The next step in this process will occur on Tuesday, February 5 at 9:30 am in Council Chambers. At that time, the Seattle Department of Transportation will put forward a workplan that includes a single map combining all three of the proposals heard yesterday. The Transportation Committee and the Full Council must approve that workplan. By May 1, the Seattle Department of Transportation will present a report to the Council that outlines a proposed funding mechanism, potential partners and estimated ridership.
The South Lake Union Streetcar runs on a 2.6 mile (roundtrip) line between Westlake Center and South Lake Union. It opened to rave reviews and record crowds on December 12, attracting over ten thousand riders in its first day and a half and 78,000 by the end of 2007—four times what had been projected. The Seattle Streetcar operates seven days a week at the following times: Monday through Thursday, 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Sundays and holidays, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Fares are $1.50 for adults, .50 cents for senior citizens (ages 65 and over), .50 cents for youth (ages 6-17), and children ages 5 and under are free. METRO transit passes, Pugetpass or bus transfers are honored. Trip planning assistance and streetcar schedules are available at www.seattlestreetcar.org.
www.seattlestreetcar.org
Councilmember Drago said, “This is truly a ‘Back to the Future’ moment, as the city embraces a streetcar network that connects its past to its future.”
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