Seattle just got its best transportation-related news in years. Now state policy makers must act.
Seattle beat more than 20 metro areas competing for a federal grant to fund innovative solutions to traffic gridlock. Being named one of the five recipients means money to start tolling on 520, new buses, improvements to park and rides and better ferry service on Puget Sound.
The grant requires King County to have tolling on 520 in place by 2009 or it will lose almost all of the $139 million. Of course tolls should be phased in immediately in order to gradually build the incentive for lifestyle changes required to keep the region moving. (And don't forget providing alternatives.)
Though officials reportedly welcomed the news, the state legislature still has to approve the concept of tolling on 520. But instead of explaining what's at stake, today's Seattle Times oddly emphasizes the "irritated motorists" who won't want to pay to cross the bridge and even quotes a critic of congestion pricing. Another quote says the federal grant means this fall's ballot measures to fund transit and road improvements shouldn't pass.
The fact is that people will adjust, as we saw just this week on I-5. The region needs major transportation investments and starting tolling asap is a key step to making them wisely.