Thanks to columnist Danny Westneat to at least whisper the truth about streetcars, and the $56.4 million needed for construction of the South Lake Union line [“Streetcar ridership, revenue still off track,” Local News, Oct. 10]. It takes years and millions of dollars to make just a short line like this.
As far as I can see there are only twi advantages to a streetcar over bus service.
- It takes tons of public money and years of construction before they can start service.
- They will never be moved.
If you are a contractor in Seattle, you would love the first point. If you own property on the line, you would also love the second point.
To add a new bus line, all you need is a couple of weeks, maybe new buses, and to put up some bus-stop signs.
It is time to stop wasting our tax dollars on the planned half-billion dollar system that might be running at some time in the future. Instead, invest in short lead time and flexible services from buses, or invest in true rapid transit such as light rail.
Damon Darley, Seattle