Our much more conservative estimate for our plan is a 10 percent reduction in commuter traffic, approximately half of the long-standing Flex Pass experience. That is still a significant dent in congestion and is far and away more than could be expected from Link. Again, our plan will take 20,000-25,000 cars off the road during rush hour, reducing commuter traffic by approximately 10 percent and creating more room for vanpools and buses. In addition, our plan speeds up transit with new interactive signals and HOV lane improvements that give priority to buses and vanpools. I-5, for example, would have an exclusive continuous transit lane from Ravenna to Spokane Street.
Many people are concerned about security issues attributed rightly or wrongly to fare-free buses.
Most can be addressed by simple application of policies like insisting that passengers debark at the end of the line. Among the various criticisms, the most disappointing is that Ride Free Express can't be done because it has never been done before. This sentiment is out of step with our region's tradition of innovation and leadership. As the home of Boeing, Microsoft, Starbucks or many innovative transit ideas, we should not be afraid of ideas that uniquely suit our transportation needs. Let's recapture that tradition and look at alternatives that take congestion head on.