FACTORS INFLUENCING LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT FEASIBILITY

As part of its regional transportation plan update for the post-1990 period, the Puget Sound Council of Governments (PSCOG) commissioned a study to assess the feasibility of a light rail transit system. The study found there would be sufficient demand to warrant some form of light rail for the Central Puget Sound Region of Washington by the year 2000. The feasibility study weighed the advantages and abilities of LRT and an all-bus transit system to meet future demand and found the cost of LRT, in the highest demand corridors, would be comparable to that of an all-bus system of the same capacity. LRT operating costs might be lower, and it would use less energy. LRT is a particularly attractive solution to Seattle central business district transit problems and has a potential for cost savings that could offset higher construction costs on other segments. The study identified two high-capacity regional corridors connecting with the CBD as the most feasible and cost-effective for LRT. PSCOG is working with the City of Seattle, Metro Transit, and the Downtown Seattle Development Association (private sector) to develop the scope and process and to obtain funding for further study.