Video: City council to debate streetcar network

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SEATTLE - No planes, trains, or automobiles - streetcars are the transportation proposal of choice in front of a Seattle City Council committee Tuesday. 

The Seattle City Council Transportation Committee are debating the feasibility of a citywide streetcar network. 

About a thousand people a day ride the South Lake Union Line.  Now it seems it may be possible to build streetcar lines connecting neighborhoods with downtown and stadiums to move people around Seattle. 

Ever since the streetcar rolled out between South Lake Union and Westlake Center, riders who love it have had one recurring complaint. 

KING

The South Lake Union Streetcar

"I wish it went further," said one rider.  "It's just a small loop now."  

The committee is discussing the possibility of expanding four new cross-town streetcar routes.  The streetcar expansion includes the following options: 

1. South Lake Union to University District

2. First Avenue to Seattle Center

3. Westlake Center to Fremont/Ballard

4. Pioneer Square to Capitol Hill 

Some skeptics add the streetcars are just a fad and the money might be better spent on the streets.

"I think it's mostly touristy," said one rider.

But regular riders think it's worth investing in for locals, even though the streetcars run only partially full.

"They've been getting more full, especially on buses too," said Colleen Rizillis, rider. 

"I would use it more," said David Miller, rider.  "It doesn't do much if it went to the u-district it would make a lot more sense, if it connected to the arenas."

While the routes were outlined Monday, the costs were not. 

Transportation committee chair Jan Drago wants the streetcar plan by August, but councilman Nick Licata and Richard McIver are skeptical about its worth compared to high costs which range from $110 million to $180 million for each new line, about $29 to $50 million per mile.

Construction would require both public and private money similar to the South Lake Union Line.  The South Lake Union Streetcar was funded by property owners, transportation agencies and public grants.