Light rail isn't always cheaper to operate than buses

October 14th, 2008
That's what John Niles, a transportation consultant, tells me in the e-mail below. Niles declares that he is a volunteer advisor to the campaign that is opposing Proposition 1, the $17.9 billion ballot measure for Sound Transit. I offer up Niles' observations and a couple of attachments for your perusal because I don't have time to go investigate how much Portland, Denver and all those other cities spend on their light rail vs. buses. Here are a couple pdf's that Niles sent. One is a spreadsheet, the other is the Washington Policy Center's take ...

Another updside down transportation policy

August 29th, 2008
On Crosscut, David Brewster questioned whether Sound Transit's first phase, which won voter approval in 1996, is one of the "word's biggest boondoggles?" He compares the agency's initial promises to voters with the fact they are now billions of dollars over budget and many years late. While Sound Transit's troubles are well documented, the philosophy that led to the agency's woes is even more outrageous. Brewster says:
Are you shocked? If so, consider that most of these projects are in fact wildly popular, even if the public had to be gulled to go along with building them. It's ...

Another Day, Another 2 Million Dollars

May 9th, 2008
Rail transit construction is so farking expensive that the people overseeing lose all sense of proportion. Take Denver’s FasTracks program, which is supposed to build about 119 miles of rail transit over eight years for $6.2 billion. That’s more than $2 million a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. So its not surprising [...]

Port of Seattle commissioners approve spending over budgets

May 7th, 2008
Since lifting a construction moratorium in March, Port of Seattle commissioners have approved spending on six projects.

First bid on new ferry is $9 million over estimate

March 27th, 2008
Todd Pacific Shipyards of Seattle's proposed bid price of $25,985,125 to construct a 50-car ferry for Washington State Ferries was much higher than the $16.8 million estimated by state engineers.

Sound Transit saves and pays extra $20 million

February 28th, 2008
Mowat Construction will build a station at Sea-Tac Airport for Sound Transit's light rail system, but for $72 million, $20 million more than the agency initially thought.

Light rail station at Sea-Tac Airport to cost $20 million more - Seattle Post Intelligencer

February 28th, 2008
Light rail station at Sea-Tac Airport to cost $20 million more Seattle Post Intelligencer - 11 hours ago Mowat Construction will build a station at Sea-Tac Airport for Sound Transit's light rail system, but for $72 million, $20 million more than the agency ...

McKay to head Port of Seattle investigation [Seattle Business News - Local Seattle News | The Puget Sound Business Journal]

February 13th, 2008
Former U.S. Attorney Mike McKay has been hired by the Port of Seattle Commission to head an effort that will investigate past cost controls and accountability issues at the Port.

Port will hire former U.S. Attorney McKay to run fraud investigation

February 12th, 2008
The Seattle Port Commission voted Tuesday to hire former U.S. Attorney Mike McKay to run its investigation of possible fraud and wrongdoing...

Municipal League initiates Port study

February 12th, 2008
The Municipal League of King County has launched a Port of Seattle Study Committee. The study will focus on the Port's mission and governance...
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