Downtown Bellevue, as we’ve previously reported, is in the works of getting a bus to circulate and transport passengers within the Downtown core. With the increased amount of residents anticipated to move in, and with the many condominium and apartment projects in the works, it’ll make for a transportation headache.
Unfortunately, as the Seattle Times reported today, King County Metro Transit officials stated that more money would be needed for the project and be delayed two years later than anticipated. The project will cost an estimated $1.3 million a year, an extra $185,000 more than anticipated, and county officials are asking the city to pay for it.
The bus as proposed would now would run in a loop cornering Bellevue Way, Main Street, 110th Ave NE, & NE 10th St (see picture for bus route). The vans would allow for 19 people to ride and would operate weekdays from 6am – 7pm, Saturdays 9am – 7pm, and some Sundays.
The best part about the buses is that they will be free! They won’t get you very far, but it will be great for residents and workers alike. Not having to fight the traffic or deal with parking, if just wanting to travel within the Downtown limits, would be a benefit for many.
Picture courtesy of Seattle Times
This bus only goes 4 blocks? Seems like a waste when you can walk to the destination faster than it takes for the bus to arrive.
A Free Ride zone would be cheaper, and we wouldn’t have to wait until 2010.
There are thousands of people moving downtown in the next few years, we need a free ride zone please!
To the first poster, remember that Bellevue blocks are ‘super blocks’, designed for minimal lights for cars, so 4 blocks is about 6-7 normal city blocks.
My view is who will ride it? If they extended it to serve the hospital, and down to old bellevue, I think it would be much better.
I thought this was going to be done when Bellevue converts 4th and 6th into a one-way circulator route. By eliminating may left turning movements it would save a lot of time for the busses and cars. They could even change the timing of the lights to allow more frequent pedestrian movement options.