Video: Seattle hopes to expand trolley lines

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SEATTLE – Now that the South Lake Union Streetcar is six months old and ridership has surpassed predictions, there are plans to expand it. The idea is to connect Seattle neighborhoods with dozens of new trolleys.

Seattleites will once again face a tough decision because the proposed new trolley lines will be expensive.

The proposed lines would be the Central Line from Seattle Center to the Central District, the Ballard Line from Ballard to Pioneer Square, the Capitol Hill Line from Pioneer Square to Broadway, and the University Line from downtown to the University of Washington.

The estimated cost: nearly $700 million.

Adding Metro buses would be cheaper, but there is countywide competition for buses. Seattle may have to pave its own transportation future.

"The City of Seattle has no voice, no vote in Metro bus system. We need more service," said Jan Drago, Seattle City Council.

Like the South Lake Union Streetcar, where half the bill was paid by developer Paul Allen, the city is hoping that businesses along the new trolley routes will pitch in for the cost.

The trolleys are better for the environment than buses and many riders think the trolley experience is better too.

"It comes every 15 minutes or less. It's cleaner, nice, new system. Those are some of the perks that come from having a streetcar vs. a bus," said Zanoon Nissar.

The new trolley cars will not be as costly as they Monorail proposal that was stopped in its tracks. It's cheaper because the new trolley lines will not require the city to buy land because the cars ride on city streets.

The city will hold community forums to hear what people think about the proposed trolley expansion. The forums will be held next month throughout the city:

Wednesday, July 2: Proposed Central Line at Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Ave., Bertha Knight Landes Room, First Floor, 4-6 p.m.

Tuesday, July 8: Proposed Ballard/Fremont Line at Nordic Heritage Museum, 3014 NW 67th Street, 4-6 p.m.

Wednesday, July 9: Proposed U-District Line at University Heights Center, 5031 University Way NE, 4-6 p.m.

Tuesday, July 15: Proposed First Hill Line at Yesler Community Center, 917 E. Yesler Way, 4-6 p.m.