6 replies to this topic

[CHamilton]

The Seattle Waterfront Trolley has been on "temporary" hiatus since 2005. Its chances of returning have been growing increasingly dim, but some recent press seems to have gotten people interested again. There's a lively discussion going on at the Facebook group, and a website for those not on Facebook. Please join the conversation.

Facebook:
Save the Seattle Waterfront Streetcar (Again)

Website:
Save the Seattle Waterfront Streetcar (Again)

[jimhudson]

Hi Charlie! What's the latest on getting rid of that Hideous Elevated Highway that runs along the Waterfront?? And I hope the Trolley does come back, as you know, its just not the same since "Bustitution replaced the Trolleys!

[CHamilton]

Hi Charlie! What's the latest on getting rid of that Hideous Elevated Highway that runs along the Waterfront??

It's being replaced by a tunnel -- which many of us feel will be our version of the "Big Dig." A very long story, but here's the official information.

As for the Waterfront Trolley, we'll see. I'd love to see it come back, but even the bus that replaced it is being cut now.

[CHamilton]

There's now an online petition.
Bring Back the George Benson Waterfront Streetcar Line in Seattle

[CHamilton]

The mainstream press is picking up on the story.
Growing movement to save Seattle's old streetcars

[CHamilton]

The movement to revive the Waterfront Streetcar is picking up steam (to mix a metaphor for an electrically-powered line). There's an updated website where one can see the latest news, make comments, and post letters to elected officials (and their replies). The online petition is still getting new signatures at a good clip, both from locals and elsewhere. And there's now a Twitter account.


Those of you who were in Seattle for the Gathering last fall know that transit connections between downtown, the waterfront, and King Street Station, are bad to non-existent. A revived waterfront streetcar line would be a very useful way of closing those gaps, and would, like San Francisco's F-Market line, be a tourist attraction in its own right. Please sign the petition!

[CHamilton]

The high-speed rail petition is approaching 50,000 signatures, and the petition to bring back the Seattle Waterfront Streetcar is getting close to 1,000. Which milestone will happen first?

 

If you haven't been following the Save Our Streetcar website, there has been quite a bit of good news, and significant positive press, regarding the efforts to re-create effective and friendly transit on the Seattle waterfront. It's evident that elected officials are taking note of the interest from locals and tourists alike. Wherever you live, your signature is encouraged!