Belltown neighbors divided over transit changes
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SEATTLE -- Some controversial changes are in the works for commuters in Belltown, and similar changes could soon sweep into other neighborhoods as the city puts a priority on bus traffic.
A stretch of road on Broad Street in Belltown is turning into a choke point for buses. City planners want to reduce driving lanes on three blocks of Broad from four general purpose lanes down to one lane in each direction.
Another lane would be reserved for westbound buses, and an eastbound bike lane would eliminate all 24 parking spaces in an area already pressed for spots.
"We are getting a lot of complaints that transit riders are getting delayed up to 15 minutes just in that particular stretch," said transportation planner Jonathan Dong.
While the changes could speed up those wait times during rush hour, they could slow general traffic during the rest of the day.
"I think that's a bit extreme, because it's just an issue during commute hours -- especially in the evening," said bus commuter Laura Wilkerson.
The changes, especially the removal of parking spots, isn't sitting well with many Belltown residents.
"That's going to be a nightmare for me here, especially without the parking," said Vivian Jones. "It's a car culture here, absolutely, and they need to make room for the parking as well."
Other commuters think the plan will help.
"It will really encourage people to use public transportation and ride their bikes," said Caitlin Larson.
Public transportation blogger and bus commuter Bruce Nourish believes these types of changes are needed in many neighborhoods to encourage bus ridership.
"It is a good thing for transit riders," he said. "Your bus needs to show up on time and it needs to go there reasonably quickly if we want people to use transit."
Eight thousand transit riders use Broad Street buses every day, and the city believes getting them to and from work quicker is a fair exchange for the lack of parking spaces.
The city is now taking public comments on the changes online and through phone messages. The plan is for the new lane restrictions to go into effect by March.
A stretch of road on Broad Street in Belltown is turning into a choke point for buses. City planners want to reduce driving lanes on three blocks of Broad from four general purpose lanes down to one lane in each direction.
Another lane would be reserved for westbound buses, and an eastbound bike lane would eliminate all 24 parking spaces in an area already pressed for spots.
"We are getting a lot of complaints that transit riders are getting delayed up to 15 minutes just in that particular stretch," said transportation planner Jonathan Dong.
While the changes could speed up those wait times during rush hour, they could slow general traffic during the rest of the day.
"I think that's a bit extreme, because it's just an issue during commute hours -- especially in the evening," said bus commuter Laura Wilkerson.
The changes, especially the removal of parking spots, isn't sitting well with many Belltown residents.
"That's going to be a nightmare for me here, especially without the parking," said Vivian Jones. "It's a car culture here, absolutely, and they need to make room for the parking as well."
Other commuters think the plan will help.
"It will really encourage people to use public transportation and ride their bikes," said Caitlin Larson.
Public transportation blogger and bus commuter Bruce Nourish believes these types of changes are needed in many neighborhoods to encourage bus ridership.
"It is a good thing for transit riders," he said. "Your bus needs to show up on time and it needs to go there reasonably quickly if we want people to use transit."
Eight thousand transit riders use Broad Street buses every day, and the city believes getting them to and from work quicker is a fair exchange for the lack of parking spaces.
The city is now taking public comments on the changes online and through phone messages. The plan is for the new lane restrictions to go into effect by March.
So when is the City going to open up Broad St under SR99? It's the whole reason there are 4 lanes there, and right now the reason for the backups heading East is because the light with 5th Ave has never been setup to allow enough left turning traffic - the detour that was setup 2 years ago.
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This change is a complete waste - the city created the problem and now want to 'fix it' by pushing transit over just reopening Broad St.
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Toss in there is no mention of this anywhere on the City of Seattle's website or a link in this story.
Hey KOMO, please add a hotlink to the project so we can make comments. I am not finding it on the city's website.Â
Sold my car 5 or 6 years ago. Take the bus and walk. I found that walking felt really good. So I walk a lot more now. I also lost all my excess weight. Less is more.
Nice to know mayor McClown knows whats best for everyone
"'It will really encourage people to use public transportation and ride their bikes,' said Caitlin Larson."
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Yeah, because riding a bike when it's 40 degrees and raining is more fun than sex. As for buses, I keep riding them and Metro keeps cutting routes. But at least the buses are full and you always have someone to talk with about how the mayor is a major-league idiot.
As someone who has never owned a car and relies on mass transit, I really do think the mayor is going too far in eliminating parking spaces. Â Sure dedicate a lane for the bus or carpool, but to tear out all the parking for the cyclists? Â Too extreme for me, high costs for such a low demographic of people who would actually use them. Â While you can get some people to take the bus M-F / 9-5, theres no way in hell you can nudge people into taking a bike, its just too dangerous. Â Just look at most bike cops downtown, they use the sidewalks, you rarely see them use the streets. Â Why? Â Cause its freaking dangerous!Â
 @kinison Also, if bicyclists are required by law to ride only with the direction of traffic, what good will only an east-bound bike lane do?Â
 @MargeGunderson  @kinison I Agree. If it's too congested I just use the sidewalk. And ride carefully. Stupid stupid stupid idea.
Please don't do anything in Belltown aka "rathole" that would delay the escape time for the good folks...
All these parking problems are part of the master plan to force all onto public transportation. Look at what what Seattle has as mayor. The Sierra Club has him in their pocket.
 @contraryjim I don't know. I rely mostly on the buses and it's so bad now that for the first time in 5 years I'm considering buying a car. $5 round trip and you're guaranteed to be late to wherever you're headed while sitting in your fellow passengers lap because the bus is so overcrowded there's no room in the aisles? No thank you. Done with that. And no, I will not be biking to work when I'm facing a ten hour work day on my feet.
 @contraryjim On this one I have to differ. I remember ten years ago looking across traffic stuck on I-5 and seeing an ocean of single occupant cars from the slightly elevated bus and marveling at how people were creating their own mess by insisting on driving in their car alone for a few miles. It's an issue of 1940 roads being expected to deal with 2013 population. And as cities grow transit factors into more and more people's reality. Has nothing to do with this bike obsessed mayor or his goofy pals.Â
 @contraryjim Ya just gotta love government and the social engineering types.  Baa! Baa!