AP: Seattle monorail suffers big blow

[question everything]

Seattle monorail suffers big blow

Civic dream fades as support erodes

By Elizabeth M. Gillespie
ASSOCIATED PRESS

September 26, 2005

SEATTLE – The City Council has yanked its support for the Seattle Monorail, dealing a blow that all but killed the financially troubled transit project.

The nine-member council unanimously passed a resolution Friday saying the city will deny street-use permits for the monorail's proposed 14-mile, $2 billion Green Line. Hours later, in a last-ditch effort to keep the project alive, the monorail board approved a Nov. 8 ballot measure to shorten the line.

(snip)

A citywide monorail system has been a civic dream since a one-mile route was built for the Seattle World's Fair in 1962. More than 40 years later, it's the only train in town.

(snip)

The monorail's latest troubles began when revenues fell short of projections. Then in June, the board revealed that building the line would cost $11 billion over 50 years, including $9 billion in interest on low-grade bonds.


Find this article at:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20050926/news_1n26monorail.html

[SeattleGirl]

1. So....can I have my money back?

One way they have been paying for this is taking on money to our tab renewal fees. I have to renew this month, and $147 is going to the monorail. I don't want to pay it, damnit, if it's not going forward. I'm all in favor of public transportation, and will support it with my money, but this is ridiculous!

[gulfcoastliberal]

2. God forbid we spend money on OUR INFRASTRUCTURE!

Egads, that would create well paying jobs - possibly even well-apying unionized jobs with - gasp! - benefits such as health care and pensions! Heavens forbid! Plus, this would reduce demand for petrochemicals - big no-no!

[question everything]

3. And jobs that cannot be outsourced (nt)

[rodeodance]

4. fools

[SeattleGirl]

5. Yeah. First it was Hizzhonor, de Mayor

Now city counsel. Again, I don't mind my money going to public transportation, but I sure as hell mind having my money go down a hole. I think I'm going to call the Mayor's office and the City Counsel and talk to them about this. I do not want to for over $147 that is going nowhere.