TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday updates; Metro-fares update

(More cameras, and other info, on the WSB Traffic page)
We start the day with one more reminder that it remains a vacation week for Seattle Public Schools. And a followup:

WHAT’S NEXT FOR METRO FARE PROPOSALS: As noted in this spot yesterday, the County Council had Metro’s proposed fare changes – a 25-cent increase next year in the general fare, along with a 50-cent ACCESS increase and creation of a “low-income fare” – on its Tuesday agenda. Councilmembers did not vote, though. Our area’s Councilmember Joe McDermott says that’s expected to happen next Monday (February 24th), which is also when the council, meeting as the Transportation Benefit District board, is expected to vote on sending the Metro-money measure (car-tab fee, sales-tax increase) to voters for an April 22nd election. If the vote does not happen then, he says, a supermajority would be needed for approval, instead of a simple majority.

COMMUTE UPDATES … when there’s news. You can reach us with info via text/voice at 206-293-6302 – but not if/while you’re driving! It can wait until you get to where you’re going.

5:50 PM: Southbound 99 multi-car crash just north of the West Seattle Bridge.

9 Replies to "TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday updates; Metro-fares update"

  • Why???? February 19, 2014 (10:58 am)

    Someone please tell me my math is wrong!

    Metro has funding problems and the County Council wants to give reduced/subsidized fares to more than half the population?

    County Council is proposing:
    “The legislation would also authorize the creation of a reduced fare program for transit riders. It would set the fare at $1.50 and establish the eligibility threshold at 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, currently $22,980 for an individual and $47,100 for a family of four.”

    Proposed Income Threshold for Reduced Fares:
    200% of $22,980 for Individuals: $45,960
    200% of $47,100 for Households: $94,200

    US Census numbers for King County:
    Median Income for Individuals: $40,193
    Median Income for Households: $71,175

    Is this actually just a hidden business tax for employers that provide Orca cards? I just don’t understand this.

  • Helihu February 19, 2014 (11:40 am)

    I think the $22,980 and $47,100 are the calculated 200% numbers, not the poverty level numbers.

  • West Seattle since 1979 February 19, 2014 (1:07 pm)

    I hardly think half the population is going to be eligible for this. And don’t forget they’re raising regular fares.

  • Why???? February 19, 2014 (1:22 pm)

    Helihu is correct. The language from the County is poorly worded.

  • Genesee Hill February 19, 2014 (3:56 pm)

    Anyone can find an excuse to vote “no”.

    I am voting yes.

  • Greta February 19, 2014 (5:30 pm)

    3-car pile up in leftmost lane of SB 99 by bridge exit. Guy in neon coat directing traffic.

    • WSB February 19, 2014 (5:38 pm)

      Thanks, Greta! I’ll mention this as a breakout. It just appeared on 911 log a few minutes ago.

  • ramshackle February 19, 2014 (5:34 pm)

    If you vote for the King County TBD, $60 MVET and one tenth of a percent sales tax increase, you are voting for continued poor service, non-existent security and out of control overhead.

    The only way to realize real reform at METRO is to allow them to be restructured if as they claim, they are going broke. Do they need to shrink their service areas? Allow additional contracting for outlying areas? Negotiate additional concessions from unions?

    Stop supporting non-responsive service providers such as METRO simply because they are a government agency. The value simply is not there and reasonable alternatives need to be seriously considered, not extending monopolies.

  • WSPS February 19, 2014 (9:09 pm)

    Genesee hill;
    Any reasonable person will find an excuse to vote no.

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