More Americans Are Taking the Train Than Ever

[LisaM]

9. But the light rail is creating its own issues.

Every time there is an expansion, they cut bus routes, even though Metro and Sound Transit are ostensibly two different agencies. When they opened the latest four stations between Northgate and Lynnwood, they cut several more buses from Northgate. Last night we went from Northgate (we actually live right at the transit center) to Greenlake for the walk of lights. Guess what, with the latest round of bus routes cuts, there is no bus from Northgate to Greenlake. Every route involves a transfer from light rail, and it takes 40 - 50 minutes to go 1.6 miles. They have to fix this. A few months ago, we could have hopped on a bus and been let off at the Greenlake library in about 20 minutes. No more. We ended up driving, which was a pain, but we don't have all night to wait at bus stops for the light rail transfer.

Pardon the interruption but this situation is absolutely maddening. The light rail is a big trunk that runs north south but has decimated the bus system.