On Nov. 6, voters in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties have the opportunity to solve our transportation problems and improve our quality of life by voting for the Roads & Transit plan. The plan will help us right here in our own neighborhoods. The proposed streetcar between Capitol Hill, First Hill and the International District will be a welcome addition for residents of these neighborhoods.
There have certainly been many instances when I could have used an easy way to get down to the International District without having to deal with the challenges of parking in that area. And of course, the street car and the light rail line together will help bring more people to Broadway businesses and make it easier for them to get to their workplaces downtown.
Roads & Transit presents us with a critical opportunity to continue building momentum for mass transit with funding for 50 miles of light rail. Fast, safe, reliable transit will transform the way our region grows, a critical step towards a cleaner environment.
Additionally, the Roads & Transit plan represents the largest investment in bike lanes at any one time in the last 20 years. Many of the improvements included in the plan make it easier and safer for pedestrians and bicyclists to commute.
This, too, is a critical piece and a major reason why I'm supporting this plan. I walk to work and definitely think that a great way to encourage people to get out of their cars is to make sure that bicycling and walking are safe alternatives.
The streetcar, bike lanes and light rail are only part of the reason why I'm voting for this package. The plan also redefines how we invest in our highways by giving people transportation choices to leave their cars at home.
And, by focusing on high occupancy vehicle lanes, safety and infrastructure, the roads side of the package serves as a good starting point to addressing some serious traffic issues in our region.
I'm looking forward to riding light rail and the First Hill streetcar. I hope voters on Capitol Hill and First Hill will see that this package is good for all of us and will join me in voting yes on Proposition 1.
Capitol Hill resident Sudha Nandagopal works for Washington Conservation Voters. Reach her c/o editor@capitolhilltimes.com.
