On Monday, Feb. 2, I along with several hundred other Bellevue residents attended the City Council meeting on Sound Transit’s East Link routing. I am quite certain that not a single attendee said “put light rail through my neighborhood.” Everyone recognizes the devastating effect the construction and operation of light rail will have along whichever route is selected.

The reality is that East Link as currently configured simply does not provide sufficient benefit to justify any route. The underground tunnel in Seattle restricts the number of trains that Sound Transit can accommodate. There are also serious concerns about the ability of the Lake Washington bridge to support frequent train crossings. As a result, their current plans are to limit East Link train frequency to one every 9 or 10 minutes. Thus, East Link will be limited to between 3,600 and 4,000 riders per hour in each direction.

The only solution to our long term traffic problem is increased bus service. Sound Transit could accommodate an additional 4,500 riders per hour by adding 60 75-passenger bus routes across the bridge. The bus service could be enhanced by converting the bridge center section into two-way bus only lanes by moving the HOV lanes to the outer bridge.

All of the current buses could continue to use the center section and more buses could easily be added to accommodate future growth. The increased bus service could be implemented within 1-2 years at a fraction of the cost required for East Link.

The East Link proposal makes absolutely no sense unless Sound Transit can accommodate at least three times the number of trains currently planned. If they cannot, Sound Transit should be directed to allocate the East Link funds to the rebuild of the 520 bridge and eliminate the need for tolls.

Bill Hirt

Bellevue