Reverse Commute Train Starts Today
Sound Transit’s new train from Seattle to Tacoma started service today. Erik Hanberg ventured up to Seattle early this morning so he could made the trek back to Tacoma on the inaugural run.
I made the Sounder’s “reverse commute” run this morning in the forward-most car with two Seattle-ites.
One was a grad student visiting his sister at Pacific Lutheran University; after arriving at the Tacoma Dome Station he was going to bike south to the campus. The other was a commuter on his way from Seattle to his office in downtown Tacoma. He usually took the bus (which is usually full, he said) but decided to try out the train today.
We left King Street Station at 6:10 and pulled in to Freighthouse Square an hour later. Right around Sumner we saw dawn, something I don’t see on a regular basis. It was a beautiful trip, despite the early hour, which is one of the great benefits to the train versus the bus.
Today’s population of commuters was small, probably no more than 30 on the entire train, but Sound Transit spokesperson Linda Robson (also riding the train) told me their goal for the run is around 300 daily riders. They hope by the end of 2008 to have a second reverse commute train going a little later.
300 is a small amount in comparison with the more than 8,000 riders daily riders Sound Transit was clocking last month on the Tacoma to Seattle run. But a reverse commute train has long been part of Sound Transit’s plan, Robson said.
As part of the new schedule that goes into effect today, Tacoma commuters now have 5 options for Sounder trains to Seattle, with the first train departing at 5:00 am. The first train previously departed at 5:45 am. For the return trip, the earliest train now leaves Seattle at 3:30 pm instead of 4:20.
Sound Transit CEO Joni Earl, Sound Transit Board President and Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg, Tacoma City Councilmember Connie Ladenburg, and Tacoma City Manager Eric Anderson were on the platform to greet the train when it arrived in Tacoma.
The engine of the train is wrapped to look like a vintage locomotive called The City of Destiny.
I will also note that in order to make it up to Seattle for the train, I caught an ST Express Bus (which was quite full, despite the awful hour). And to make it home after the trip I took the Link. This was the first day I’ve ever taken all three Sound Transit services, bus, rail, and light rail. Not bad for finishing up before 8!
Link to Sound Transit
7 comments
J John Moltz February 5, 2008
I’m still skeptical. I don’t think his work’s been the same since he divorced Melanie Griffith.
D drizell February 5, 2008
I hope the previous discussion about this issue spurred people to write down their concerns and send them to the LPC. Posting something on a blog is one thing, but actually getting involved with the government process is something else. Judging from some of the changes now being considered by the developer, it appears that at least some of us did write letters.
Keep it up, Tacoma, and you will eventually get the quality architecture you so desire.
A Andrew February 5, 2008
Brick is great. But as long as there are spawling surface parking lots taking up a bunch of land this is a poor long term decision.
E Eric February 5, 2008
This is going to be a long-term fight to define an architectural identity of downtown Tacoma. If no one speaks up all the buildings of significance will be town down and replaced by strip malls. If you care… speak out and let your voice be heard.
G grubedoo February 5, 2008
IF the Don Johnson is the one at www.j-arch.com there’s still hope left. If it’s the miami vice one we’re screwed.
G grubedoo February 5, 2008
Shit.
A altered chords February 6, 2008
grubedoo – I’m with you. A double helix pedestrian bridge would have been cool. Wouldn’t matter if it didn’t go anywhere.