Debating the Puget Sound Regional Transportation Plan

The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) has released a new transportation plan that sets an agenda for transportation investments in the four-county area around Seattle through 2040.

The plan anticipates rapid population growth and growing travel demand during that time, and the jury is divided on whether the plan's measures will succeed in addressing the region's congestion.

On one hand, there's Stephen Fesler, who reports on the new plan for The Urbanist, also providing the following analysis:

The truth is, the long-range plan will fund massive road and highway expansions while also employing smart technology to enhance system capacity. The plan will also make wise investments in high-quality transit corridors and key multi-use trails that can move commuters and recreationists alike. 

On the other hand, there's the Seattle Times editorial board, which concludes that the plan is more ideological than pragmatic, and suggests that the PSRC is capitulating to the whims of "anti-car activists." Instead of the plan's focus on eliminating car trips, the editorial board argues that plans should worry more about improving vehicle flow.