SEATTLE – King County executive Ron Sims says he's not supporting a measure for more light rail on the ballot.

The long-time backer of light rail and former head of the Sound Transit Board says he's not opposing it either.

On Tuesday he announced the reopening of the downtown bus tunnel, which was closed for two years for renovations. The tunnel was retrofitted to accommodate both hybrid buses and light rail trains, and is set to open Monday.

The fact that he's not endorsing the ballot measure sends a strong message.

"I think the voters have got to make this decision," he said.

The November ballot measure raises the license tab and sales tax for roads and transit, including 50 more miles of light rail. Several politicians used the tunnel re-opening announcement as a change to encourage people to vote yes.

"This fall, voters will have a chance to make our regional transportation system even more comprehensive and convenient by passing the Roads and Transit ballot measure," said Larry Phillips, of the King County Council.

But in an interview with KING 5, Sims remained neutral:

KING 5: "I'm curious, you're a big supporter of transit, wouldn't you not come out and campaign for this ballot measure?"

Ron Sims: "I really want the voters to make this decision."

KING 5: "Do you have reservations about it?"

Ron Sims: "I want the voters to make this decision, I think between your programs and all of the articles written in the newspaper, I think the voters will have enough information."

Tunnel safety issues

Bus drivers are raising safety concerns as the tunnel reopens.

To accommodate light rail trains starting in 2009, the entire floor of the tunnel was lowered, and now the bus mirrors are now at eye level. Some fear they could hit passengers on the platform.

Metro has installed signs and strobe lights, but the drivers' union says, what's really needed is a guardrail.