Seattle's Light Rail Woes

The region's transit agency is spending about $4 million a month on a stalled transit plan as its board of directors debates what type of light-rail line to build.

1 minute read

May 13, 2001, 10:00 AM PDT

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


"Sound Transit is spending about $4 million a month as its board of directors debates what type of light-rail line to build. To date, the agency has spent more than $191 million designing a $4.1 billion light-rail system that was expected to stretch between SeaTac and Seattle's University District and be completed by 2009. Cost increases and budget shortfalls recently forced the agency to scrap that plan. The money spent so far shouldn't be considered a waste, regardless of what type of system Sound Transit ends up building, said Joni Earl, the agency's acting executive director." While recognizing the importance of the planning phase for a project of this scale, some board members and residents are concerned about the mounting costs.

Thanks to Christian Peralta

Sunday, May 13, 2001 in The Seattle Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog