Light-rail system debuts Saturday in Seattle

[marmar]

via Detroit Free Press:




Light-rail system debuts Saturday in Seattle
By TIM KLASS • Associated Press • July 16, 2009


SEATTLE — More than four decades after political wrangling and recession ran a mass transit rail plan for Seattle off the tracks, trains are finally running.

Passenger service on the new Link system begins Saturday with live music, free rides and shuttle service to some stations, ending the city’s status as one of the nation’s largest without a dedicated rail transit system.

“I’m very excited about it,” said Nicole Von Suhr, 43, an emergency room physician who lives a few blocks from a new light rail station in south Seattle’s Columbia City neighborhood. She said she looks forward to taking it to the airport and downtown.

Officials are planning for 40,000 to 50,000 riders on opening day, when the Seattle Sounders will be playing a soccer exhibition game with Chelsea of the English Premier League before some 60,000 fans and thousands will be heading out to the daylong Bite of Seattle restaurant festival at the Seattle Center. ..........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.freep.com/article/20090716/NEWS07/90715086/Light-rail-system-to-debut-in-Seattle