Seattle streetcar debuts
Seattle's $52 million South Lake Union Streetcar began passenger operations Wednesday following opening ceremonies and speeches. The 1.3-mile line, backed by Microsoft Corp. co-founder Paul Allen and financed largely by private businesses along its route, is touted as a tool for economic development and to combat global warming.The line, with 11 stations, is expected to handle 330,000 riders per year. Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, an ardent supporter of light rail and streetcar operations, urged residents to use the new streetcar line and hailed the opening as a successful example of public-private investment.
Bicycle advocates also attended the opening ceremonies, continuing to object to what they call the poor location of streetcar tracks, which compete with bicyclists using the right side of the road. "We like transit, and it would be stupid to think they would rip up the tracks that they've already put down," a spokesman said. "Our hope is that the future tracks are in the center of the road."
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