Originally published October 22, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified October 23, 2008 at 12:34 AM
Comments (11)
E-mail article
Print view
Road vs. rail: Nickels, Freeman spar over Proposition 1
Because of our relatively spread-out communities, Sound Transit's proposed light-rail extensions, on the Nov. 4 ballot, will not reduce road congestion, a backer says. Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, a longtime rail backer, countered that the region has already made the collective decision to shift from sprawl to density.
Seattle Times transportation reporter
The city of Seattle was once called "New York Alki," but when it comes to transit demand, we're no Big Apple.
That's the argument from developer and Sound Transit Proposition 1 opponent Kemper Freeman, who argued in a debate Wednesday that residents will never tolerate the population density that makes rail commuting attractive in New York.
Because of our relatively spread-out communities, Sound Transit's proposed light-rail extensions, on the Nov. 4 ballot, will not reduce road congestion, Freeman said.
"Our leaders have led us on a wild-goose chase on this issue. We can't solve this problem with transit," said Freeman, who favors more road lanes, van pools and buses instead.
Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, a longtime rail backer, countered that the region has already made the collective decision to shift from sprawl to density, especially at proposed rail destinations such as downtown Bellevue.
"We will have a more dense and vibrant urban area, and be able to concentrate growth around the stations," said Nickels, who is chairman of Sound Transit's governing board. About 80 people, mostly students, attended the low-key debate at the University of Washington's Evans School of Public Affairs.
"My vision for the transportation system is not one that is shaped entirely, or even mostly, by the automobile," Nickels said. In his vision, "the most difficult choice someone would have is what color shoes to wear, to either walk to work or walk to transit."
Proposition 1 projects would cost $17.9 billion through 2023. Most of the money would pay for 34 miles of new light-rail track reaching Lynnwood, north Federal Way, and the Overlake Transit Center, near Microsoft. A First Hill streetcar in Seattle, a two-thirds increase in south-end commuter-train capacity and an express-bus-service increase are also in the plan.
Sales taxes in urban King, Pierce and Snohomish counties would increase by a nickel per $10 purchase, on top of existing sales and car-tab taxes, for three decades if projects stay on budget.
Light rail's first phase, from downtown Seattle to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, is scheduled to open next year.
Both Nickels and Freeman used a few wobbly statistics.
Nickels said the rail system "will create capacity for up to 1 million people a day to take light rail rather than a freeway." While that's theoretically possible, trains would need to be crammed full in all directions, around the clock, to carry that many at any given point. Sound Transit officially forecasts 286,000 one-way boardings systemwide on light rail per weekday in 2030.
![]()
Freeman argued that electric trains aren't really green. He said that nationally, about 80 percent of energy comes from fossil fuels. In fact, the Northwest's electricity comes predominantly from emission-free hydroelectric dams.
Only about one-fifth of car trips are by commuters, observed Freeman, the developer of Bellevue Square Mall. So fixed-rail transit serves only a fraction of a fraction of all trips, he said. Therefore, it wouldn't reduce congestion.
Nickels replied that it's precisely the rush hour when a rail option would pay off.
"We have plenty of concrete out there for our nonwork trips," he said. "The problem is we're all trying to get to work, or to the university, at the same time."
Mike Lindblom: 206-515-5631 or mlindblom@seattletimes.com
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company

2009 fireworks time lapse
With strict parking rules enforced at this year's July 4th celebration on Wallingford Ave North, less cars and more spectators filled the streets.
Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
Tax tips for new independent professionals
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
nwhomes

Find a new home or condo that fits your lifestyle.
Search New Developments
Builder Directory
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Former NFL MVP McNair killed
- Russell Branyan, Mariners fight off the Red Sox
- Palin takes to Web for hints of political future
- Fourth of July festivals and fireworks in Seattle, the suburbs and beyond
- Landmark Smith Tower mostly vacant
- The Blotter | Man pistol-whipped after argument at nightclub
- Property taxes: Appeals shoot up in King, Snohomish Counties
- Desert-lobster dispute turns pair into sagebrush heroes
- Larry Stone | Mariners deserve big All-Star contingent
- Palin resigning as Alaska governor
768 - Seattle Mariners at Boston Red Sox: 07/04 game thread
244 - Seattle Mariners at Boston Red Sox: 07/05 game thread
224 - Former NFL MVP McNair killed
101 - Palin links resignation to 'higher calling' and blasts media in Facebook posting
99 - Hatred for the NBA runs deep, but don't take it out on the players
92 - Tukwila residents rally against light-rail noise
82 - Property taxes: Appeals shoot up is King, Snohomish Counties
71 - Mariners score unlikely win over Red Sox in battle of bullpens
58 - Tent City on campus: UW stalls decision
55
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Merchant Marine veterans fight for recognition
- Property taxes: Appeals shoot up in King, Snohomish Counties
- Hard times for tourist towns means good deals for travelers
- Close-up | Prison guards intercept carrier pigeon with a cellphone
- Pre-grill drill: marinate steaks
- Concert Review | Green Day blasts off 4th weekend with KeyArena show
- Amtrak cleared for 2nd daily train to Vancouver, B.C.
- Lake Washington's sockeye run may hit a record low
- The People's Pharmacy | Estrogen mimicker found in sunscreen










