How Can We Stop the 17% Metro Bus Cuts?

In the last year, demand for Metro transit service has increased by 5%. And yet, now we face 17% cuts to bus service. Seems a little backwards, doesn't it?

What can you do about this? Write a letter to the King County Council telling them to pass the congestion reduction charge, which would stop the cuts. You can click here and submit it online. It only takes a minute.

Make your voice heard and stop the cuts!

New Pierce County Bike Map

Attention, Pierce County bicyclists. Finding your way around the area just got easier.

http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/pwu/tpp/nonmotor/bicycle.htm.

The map highlights roads with wide lanes, paved shoulders, designated bicycle lanes, and shared-use trails. Enjoy!

KING COUNTY HEARINGS: Metro Cuts and Congestion Reduction Charge

The King County council's Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee will be hosting three hearings to offer citizens opportunities to testify on proposed transit cuts as well as the proposed $20 congestion reduction charge on vehicles. Committee chair Larry Phillips clearly outlines the choice at stake:

“King County has a choice of cutting 17 percent of our transit service—taking the system back to 1996 service levels—or preserving current service levels" by enacting the congestion fee.

All meetings will start at 6:00 p.m. and will be held in Kirkland, Seattle and Burien. We encourage everyone in King County to attend one and make their voices heard!


Wednesday, July 6
Kirkland City Council Chambers
123 Fifth Avenue

Tuesday, July 12
King County Courthouse, Council Chambers,
10th Floor
516 Third Avenue

Thursday, July 21
Burien City Council Chambers
400 S.W. 152nd Street 

All meetings start at 6pm 

More info at http://www.kingcounty.gov/council/news/2011/June/LP_treemtgs.aspx

Tacoma Link: Extended Hours Wednesday

Tacoma Link will operate until 12:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 29, to accommodate crowds attending the Britney Spears concert at the Tacoma Dome. The concert begins at 7:00 p.m., with pre-event activities starting at 5:00 p.m.

Sound Transit buses, Link light rail, and Sounder trains will operate on regular weekday schedule.

Riders can sign up to receive automatic e-mail service alerts for Tacoma Link, ST Express, Sounder Seattle-Everett, Sounder Seattle-Tacoma, or Central Link. Rider Alerts can inform you about special service to events, alert you to holiday schedule changes, and help you plan your trip around inclement weather.


CONTACT: Kimberly Reason-(206) 689-3343 or kimberly.reason@soundtransit.org

Jackson Plaza Opening: A Major Transit Hub and Public Space

Today, Mayor McGinn cut the ribbon on the new Jackson Plaza at King Street Station. He spoke of the plaza as an important part of a bigger plan, linking great communities like the International District and Pioneer Square with the rest of the region, and creating more pleasant, walkable spaces in the city. He praised the plaza's earthquake-proof, environmentally sustainable design. Finally, he thanked the many people and groups who made this possible.

Linda Gehrke spoke on behalf of the Federal Transit Administration. She reminded the crowd that the restoration of King Street Station has been ongoing since 1996. She spoke of the Obama administration's support for livable, sustainable communities, which led it to approve funding for Jackson Plaza.

Lorne McConachie spoke for the Pioneer Square Preservation Board. He discussed how transportation has been a huge part of Seattle's history since its inception, including the Yukon gold rush and the transcontinental railroad.

Leslie Smith spoke on behalf of the Alliance for Pioneer Square about the future of King Street Station. She predicted that King Street Station would become an even more important transit hub as it develops more connections, and would help make the city more walkable.



There was a good turnout, the sun eventually came out, and all the speakers were enthusiastic and proud of the plaza.

Grand Opening of King St Station's Jackson Plaza

Check out this exciting event taking place tomorrow!

Friday June 24th, 10:30am – 11:15 am.
King Street Station, 303 S Jackson St, Seattle
Remarks by
Mayor McGinn
Linda Gehrke, Deputy Regional Administrator, Region 10, Federal Transit Administration
Lorne McConachie, Chair, Pioneer Square Preservation Board
Leslie Smith, Alliance for Pioneer Square

http://www.thenewpioneersquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/King-Street-Station-Grand-Opening-Invitation.jpg

Edmonds City Council Passes Complete Streets 6-0

Last Tuesday, the Edmonds City Council unanimously approved a Complete Streets ordinance which pledges that the city will plan, design, and implement transportation projects accommodating pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders. However, the ordinance included many exceptions. The Complete Streets guidelines will not be enforced in cases where there is no identified need for them or the cost is determined to be disproportionate to "currents need or probable future uses."

TCC testified in favor of the ordinance with suggestions to strengthen it down the road by removing some of the exceptions.  It is great to see more and more cities adopting complete streets across Washington State!

More at MyEdmondsNews.com.