Would light rail be appropriate for the Eastside railroad right of way?
The Eastside railroad right of way has a number of conditions that make it very appropriate for rail transit service, including (1) traversing an area of high and still rising population density, (2) paralleling the most heavily congested freeway in the Northwest, (3) running right by downtown Bellevue (which already has the second largest urban core in the state) and (4) having existing track connections to rail lines to Tacoma and Everett. However, the initial emphasis should be on starting a transit service as quickly as possible and at the lowest practical cost, and then considering adding a light rail capability as passenger traffic continues to increase. The fastest and most economical way to begin transit service on the line would be to use DMUs (diesel multiple units) and/or existing Sounder heavy rail commuter trains, some of which could be routed up the Eastside from Tacoma and through Kent via the existing track connection west of Renton.
Related Questions
- Would it be possible to convert the Eastside railroad to light rail in the future without disruption of any existing diesel powered transit service?
- Why would it take longer and cost more to start a light rail service on the Eastside railroad than to use DMUs or Sounder trains?
- Would light rail be appropriate for the Eastside railroad right of way?
