Transit glorious for Puget Sound commuters

THOUGH way too big for stocking stuffers, two pieces of transit news are the perfect gift for commuters caught up in the eternal quest to get from here to there.

Sound Transit light-rail service to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport opened Saturday with completion of a final connection between Tukwila and the airport. The 1.7-mile extension finishes the airport line that began carrying passengers in July from downtown Seattle, but did not quite reach Sea-Tac.

The ribbon-cutting featured two key players in the blossoming of transit options around Puget Sound.

Seattle Mayor and Sound Transit Board Chair Greg Nickels has been a steady, reliable advocate for commuter options back to his days on the King Council Council.

Washington Sen. Patty Murray is a stalwart supporter in the other Washington, making sure local transit efforts receive their fair share of federal funding. She sees and promotes the relationship between an effective transportation system and our long-term economic growth.

The airport line is up and working and busy. This is an especially nice treat during the holiday travel season. Sound Transit and the Port of Seattle are obliged to see if the distance between the station and terminal — about 1,000 feet — is a burden for travelers that needs a remedial solution.

A second bit of seasonal cheer came via the Port of Seattle's negotiations to buy the 42-mile Eastside rail corridor from BNSF Railway. The final price is $81.4 million, substantially below early estimates north of $104 million.

Times reporter Keith Ervin described how tough economic circumstances not only helped lower the price, but also involved King County, Sound Transit, the city of Redmond and two utilities in the purchase.

The potential for commuter rail, a priority, and recreational trails is bright, but first the corridor had to be acquired for public use.

Two pieces of good news for area commuters. One plan realized, and more opportunity to look ahead.