Seattle Times: Bus vs. light rail: Which is your ticket to ride?

[marmar]

Bus vs. light rail: Which is your ticket to ride?
As the crowds grow inside Seattle-area buses and trains, there's no longer much debate about whether the region needs more transit. The big argument is about how to do it.

By Mike Lindblom
Seattle Times transportation reporter


As the crowds grow inside Seattle-area buses and trains, there's no longer much debate about whether the region needs more transit.

The big argument is about how to do it.

Some opponents of the $17.9 billion Sound Transit Proposition 1 — mainly to expand light rail — argue that commuters would get more service if the region spent its dollars to make bus service faster and more frequent.

But a first-class bus network would be easier dreamed than done.

The Nov. 4 ballot measure would extend regional light-rail 34 miles, reaching Lynnwood, north Federal Way and the Overlake Transit Center, to create a total 55-mile system. Proponents say trains can move tremendous numbers of people as population grows.

Though buses would probably be cheaper than rail and be ready for commuters earlier, transit officials would have to solve major problems, including slow car-pool lanes.

Several cities around the world have embraced "bus-rapid transit," or BRT, which combines roomier buses with special road lanes, so buses become nearly as convenient as trains. .......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/lightrailinitiative/2008324129_busrail29m.html