Smarter Transit is an all-volunteer, pro-transit, non-partisan, non-profit citizens’ organization. Our mission is to support and advocate for accountable public transportation governance and investments that grow transit, vanpool, carpool ridership, and safe bike and walking routes throughout the Puget Sound region in the most cost-effective way.
NYT: The Holy Grail of Transportation Is Right in Front of Us
Better bus service would improve millions of Americans’ lives. Opinion by NYT columnist, Farhad Manjoo. Photo: Florian Buettner/laif, via Redux
Here we post articles and news of interest regarding transit and transportation issues that affect the Puget Sound Region. If there are stories that you think deserve attention, or if you have news or information that you’d like to share, please contact us!
NYT: The Subway Needs Riders to Save It. Will They?
Billions of dollars in federal aid have pulled New York’s transit agency from the depths of its fiscal crisis. But a growing consensus that its ridership may never return entirely threatens its future. (Photograph by Ali Kate Cherkis, NYT)
Seattle Times: Sound Transit faces a $11.5 billion shortfall. Now what’s it going to do?
When Sound Transit unveiled a $54 billion tax measure in 2016, even its most tenacious critics said the rail and bus budgets were so larded with financial cushions the agency couldn’t possibly run short on cash. Only five years later,...
Washington State DOT’s Ultra High-Speed Ground Transportation Business Case Analysis (UHSGT) is a promotional brochure riddled with serious errors and misstatements
Read the complete paper here: Washington State DOT’s Ultra High-Speed Ground Transportation Business Case Analysis (UHSGT) is a promotional brochure riddled with serious errors and misstatementsKey Findings The term “Ultra High-Speed Ground Transportation...
Latest transportation stories from local papers
In the interest of providing the whole range of news regarding transportation and transit we are providing links to current articles and opinion pages. Smarter Transit does not necessarily agree with the views or info provided in all articles or op-eds.
Sound Transit News
- Sound Transit growth reflected in $90M in...by Mike Lindblom on November 18, 2017 at 2:00 pm
So far this year, Sound Transit’s governing board has approved five office leases totaling $90 million, underscoring the agency’s growth as a result of ST3.
- Train and transit talk: Highlights from reporter...by z-inactive-Tyler on November 10, 2017 at 12:52 am
Can Sound Transit projects be completed early? Will ST3 car tab fees come down? What impact will the Trump administration have on funding Seattle-area infrastructure? Mike Lindblom answered your transit-related questions.
- What can Sound Transit do to keep projects in the...by Seattle Times staff on November 8, 2017 at 2:00 pm
Transportation reporter Mike Lindblom answers your questions about the future of Sound Transit's light-rail projects, which are facing growing budget pressure from rising land values and construction costs.
- Sound Transit’s Lynnwood extension running...by Mike Lindblom on August 24, 2017 at 9:35 pm
The half-billion-dollar increase for the Sound Transit 2 Lynnwood line comes as a surprise for taxpayers, and officials will negotiate simpler designs with cities along the tracks.
- Here’s why your ST3 car tab fee is so highby Gina Cole and Daniel Beekman on March 17, 2017 at 1:00 pm
On episode 28 of The Overcast, Traffic Lab reporters Mike Lindblom and David Gutman get nerdy with us about Sound Transit 3 and the car tab fees that fund it.
- Sticker shock as much higher car-tab bills land...by David Gutman on February 17, 2017 at 7:43 pm
The state Department of Licensing is getting hit with calls from King, Pierce and Snohomish counties about increased car-tab fees that are just starting to go into effect following the passage of Sound Transit 3.
- Sound Transit moves fast to get deals on loans,...by Mike Lindblom on November 28, 2016 at 12:45 am
Sound Transit is making deals for $2.9 billion in federal loans, bond sales and grants while money is cheap.
- State senator calls for direct elections of Sound...by Mike Lindblom on November 18, 2016 at 1:38 am
Pierce County voters’ opposition to Sound Transit 3 has prompted state Sen. Steve O’Ban to propose direct elections of transit-board members.
- Where Sound Transit 3 projects could speed up or...by Mike Lindblom on November 14, 2016 at 2:00 pm
Political energy, less red tape or simpler design can speed projects. So can money, say, from the federal government. Disputes about track alignments, inaccurate cost forecasts, elaborate stations or tunnels, or a recession can create delays.
- Passing Sound Transit 3 boost for commuters, jobsby Jon Talton on November 12, 2016 at 4:00 pm
The Puget Sound region made a big step forward in transportation and the state advanced the condition of low-wage workers.
General Transportation News
- Police launch distracted-driving patrols in King...by Mike Lindblom on July 28, 2021 at 1:00 pm
King County police agencies will spend extra time patrolling for drivers who illegally use a cellphone behind the wheel, safety officials say. Surveys show that the percentage of drivers seen holding a phone rose last year.
- ‘Mr. Barricade’ promotes quick-build bike...by Michelle Baruchman on July 26, 2021 at 1:00 pm
In our latest Traffic Lab Q&A, the CEO and president of Crossroad Lab explains how cities can quickly install temporary bike lanes and pedestrian improvements while developing longer-term plans for more permanent facilities.
- Hockey fans can expect to pay more to park near...by Michelle Baruchman on July 24, 2021 at 1:00 pm
The Seattle City Council will consider a proposal Monday to raise on-street parking fees in Uptown during large events at Climate Pledge Arena. Hockey fans parking near the area could pay $22 to park for four hours.
- New Northgate pedestrian bridge could honor late...by Mike Lindblom on July 23, 2021 at 3:58 pm
Seattle Councilmember Debora Juarez has proposed to name a walk-bike bridge at Northgate for the late civil rights leader John Lewis. The bridge over Interstate 5 will connect North Seattle College to the new Northgate light-rail station.
- Help name Washington’s next ferryby Daisy Zavala on July 23, 2021 at 12:01 am
The Washington State Transportation Commission is calling on residents to submit name proposals for a new ferry. Deadline to submit is 5 p.m. Friday Oct. 1.
- Seattle’s new Fairview Avenue bridge opens...by Mike Lindblom on July 21, 2021 at 1:00 pm
The opening of the $52 million span comes after two years of detours. Walkers, cyclists and skaters will get to enjoy the bridge deck for two hours before motor vehicles start crossing.
- 10-year-old girl struck and killed on Olympic...by The Chronicle on July 20, 2021 at 6:19 pm
A 10-year-old girl is dead and a 12-year-old girl was airlifted with critical injuries after a woman suffered a medical event, drove off U.S. Highway 101 and struck them on the Olympic Peninsula Monday, according to the Washington State Patrol.
- A robot will fetch owners’ cars under this...by Mike Lindblom on July 20, 2021 at 1:00 pm
The Spire condominiums on Denny Way will provide 266 spaces where drivers leave their car near the entrance, and a robotic dolly parks it. Besides saving space, the system is safer than standard garages, says supplier Parkworks.
- What questions do you have about possible Sound...by Michelle Baruchman on July 19, 2021 at 1:00 pm
Sound Transit faces a $6 billion to $8 billion shortfall to build light-rail and bus extensions promised in Sound Transit 3. The agency is talking about delaying some projects. What questions do you have about those possible delays?
- Repairs bring traffic havoc again this weekend on...by Mike Lindblom on July 16, 2021 at 1:00 pm
Southbound I-5 will shrink to one or two lanes again this weekend through Sodo as contractors resume resurfacing the 56-year-old freeway. Similar work in late June created traffic jams of 4 to 5 miles approaching downtown.