Seattle — Dedicated Lanes Planned

March 2015

The Transit Politic site reports that Seattle is studying the possible use of dedicated lanes for streetcars on the upcoming Center City Connector line that will tie together the original South Lake Union line with the newer First Hill line.

A factor leading to consideration of this approach is the fact that after years of steady growth in ridership, passenger numbers on the South Lake Union line flattened in 2013 then fell slightly in 2014. A possible contiutor to the ridership drop is delays in streetcar service due to sharing lanes with traffic.

A consultant is reviewing the possible use of dedicated lanes as well as right-turn restrictions along the route to speed service. Buses would also be able to use the dedicated lanes.