Seattle Mayor McGinn deserves praise for light-rail parking decision

PLAUDITS to new Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn for moving decisively to suspend unreasonable policy forbidding all-day parking in Rainier Valley lots near the Sound Transit light-rail line.

McGinn wisely opted to temporarily block enforcement of a city law preventing long-term parking near Link light-rail stations. In doing so, he proved he can be flexible, practical and nonideological on a simple matter.

One big flaw in planning the light-rail system is there is no provision in the current line, except one location in Tukwila, for people to drive to light-rail stations to board the train. Yes, of course, riders are supposed to take the bus, walk or bike to the rail stations. But ridership figures show that approach is not boosting ridership. Fewer people than projected are taking the trains. McGinn sensibly realizes the absurdity of leaving parking lots empty.

What mayor in his right mind discourages private enterprise in an economic downturn? If people are willing to pay parking rates and ride the train, they should be allowed to do so.

The parking limits were designed to encourage mixed-use, dense developments near the stations and prevent crowding hassles in nearby neighborhoods. Mayoral spokesman Mark Matassa says the mayor continues to believe in the policy.

In the near term, however, while development is sluggish or nonexistent, McGinn understands that people who own the lots can earn a buck and people might be more inclined to ride the trains if this policy is halted.

The mayor plans to draft new policy for City Council consideration within 30 days, and that new policy should be as pragmatic as the one just offered. Let people park in the lots until new development comes along.

If the city wants to spur light-rail habits and convert potential rail riders into regular riders, it should enact rules that don't punish them for driving to the stations. Those are likely car trips downtown or the other direction saved by the presence of a parking space.