RTA: Coming Soon to a Town Near Youby Erica Guttman The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is on the move after success at the polls last November. What this 10-year regional transit system plan will mean to Thurston County residents is that within a few years we'll have easier access to points north. The plan, dubbed "Sound Move," will make transit in Pierce, King, and Snohomish Counties faster and easier through a combination of HOV expressways and express buses, commuter rail, and electric light rail. The expressways will be continuous systems of HOV lanes with special access ramps and "flyer stops" just for transit vehicles and carpools. The system is expected to save transit passengers about 6,000 hours each day, and another 6,300 for carpool and vanpool users. Regional express buses will offer high-speed service 18 hours each day to major destinations, every 15 minutes during rush hours, and every 15-30 minutes at other times. The regional express bus service is expected to be in service within three years. The commuter rail will use 81 miles of existing track between Everett, Seattle, Tacoma, and Lakewood. The system will include 14-17 stations linking major destinations as well as reducing commute times. Commuter service between Tacoma and Seattle is slated to begin in three years, and the remainder should be operational by the following year. Electric light-rail lines will operate in the system's most densely-developed areas, with 25 miles of rail and 26 stations (additional lines and stops are proposed if more funding is secured). Trains will run 18-20 hours per day, every six minutes during rush hours. About 15,000 people will be moved an hour at speeds of 55-65 mph. RTA estimates that about 32 million riders will use the system, collectively saving about 5 million hours of travel time annually. The light-rail services are not expected to become operational for about 10 years. You can find out more about RTA's exciting plans by calling 800-201-5900 (or 206-684-6776) or checking the internet site: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/CPSRTA
Back to Home page. |
