He cited Orlando, Florida, and Ottawa, Canada, as examples of cities with currently successful BRT systems. And we also have valuable new insights on available solutions and costs for some of Seattle's other pressing transportation problems. Last October the Seattle City Council adopted the Transportation Strategic Plan , a document that offers a wide selection of actions that can be taken to address the city's mounting transportation needs. However, a cover letter from the mayor to Seattle citizens cautions that the money to implement the plan is not available. The truth is that we do not have adequate resources to maintain our existing system, much less make the necessary mobility investments to protect our environment and economy.
Utilization is even lower on buses leaving the University District.
The plan suggests numerous ways this capacity can be put to work. The Trans-Lake Washington Study Committee has completed its report and delivered it to the State Transportation Commission and the governor. Governor Locke immediately made it clear that there is no prospect that state funds at that level would be available for the foreseeable future. All of this information, which has been developed since voter's approved Sound Transit's conceptual plan, is compelling evidence that it is time to rethink the light rail component. And there is time.