Seattle — Streetcar Sets Ridership Record

Rail Transit Online, August 2010

The short South Lake Union streetcar is carrying approximately 2,200 weekday riders, more than double the number estimated before construction began. As expected, ridership is heaviest during morning and evening commute hours.

The 1.3-mi. (2.1 km), $52.1-million line, connecting Westlake Center to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, is equipped with three Czech-made streetcars. It opened on Dec. 12, 2007 and has confirmed claims by rail advocates that streetcar circulators are popular, improve mobility and reduce auto usage in congested urban areas.