More links sought for streetcar expansion

The Seattle City Council's transportation committee voted today to support an expanded streetcar system for the city, but members say they want to be assured that any additional lines would be linked to one another if there is money to do it.

The city already has one streetcar line, the South Lake Union streetcar operation, which is a year old this month. And, voters have approved funding for another line across First Hill to Capitol Hill.

Also, several plans to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct include a replacement streetcar line along First Avenue.

But those potential lines should be linked together whenever funding is available, committee members said at today's meeting.

"To have three unconnected segments would just be weird," said council member Sally Clark. "It would be bad planning. It would not be a network. It would just be three unconnected segments."

The city has been studying four additional streetcar routes.

• Along the waterfront and up South Jackson Street

• Another across First Hill

• A line from downtown to Ballard

• A line downtown to the University District

The council is expected to vote this month to set priorities for those projects.

The transportation committee agreed the city should start with the First Hill and waterfront lines.

On Monday, the council will also consider a competing proposal from council members Nick Licata and Tom Rassmussen. They say there is not enough information for the council to support a streetcar network.

Emily Heffter: 206-464-8246 or eheffter@seattletimes.com