Decision makes no sense
In his column, Danny Westneat hit the nail on the head [“City won’t let you park to ride” NWSunday, Jan. 10]. I find it incredible that while we taxpayers are paying to have so many park-and- ride lots built along the freeways to encourage people to use mass transit, the city of Seattle won’t allow private citizens to do the same thing along the new light-rail line.
Like so many other decisions made with regard to transportation in Seattle, it makes no sense. My office is in Renton and late last year I — along with most of my office — had to attend a function downtown. We carpooled over to the light-rail station in Tukwila and took light rail to downtown and back. I was pleasantly surprised and noticed, as did Westneat, that the parking lot was practically full.
If people are going to use light rail, they have to have a way to get to the station. If bus service isn’t practical, then they need to be able to drive their car to the station. Only in Seattle is this an issue.
By the way, I’d love to hear what our new mayor has to say on this issue.
— Frank Lippman, Seattle
Let the private industry work
It never ceases to amaze me how ignorant government at all levels can be. I don’t think they realize that they are not a business. They are supposed to facilitate good governance, not run every facet of our lives.
Why not let Safeway and others rent out unused parking spaces for light-rail commuters? There would be fewer vehicles clogging the streets, more taxable revenue from Safeway and Diamond Parking and easy access to well-lit parking for users, making light rail attractive — for a change.
But, no, “big government” and Seattle wants to use taxpayer money to build park-and-ride lots — hence all citizens’ money is used to support the needs of the few — all at a cost greater than what the private sector could achieve. As usual, unbelievable government stupidity.
It’s simple: Let the private industry work. There will be no cost to government and increases in tax revenue.
OK, Mayor [Mike] McGinn, let’s see what you can do about government stupidity and saving our taxpayer dollars.
— Pauline Cornelius, Olalla