Comments on: I Rode Link Light Rail & Lived To Write About It. Have You?

By: Ted in Des Moines

Ted in Des Moines — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 07:32:40 +0000

Rode on the new light rail for the very first time on Thursday. The occasion was the Seahawks vs Raiders pre-season game, which was a first time for me and my friend to attend a game at Qwest Field. When I arrived at the Tukwila station at 5 PM I found parking to be more than a little challenging. Clearly no parking existed here. Across the street the overflow parking was not much better. I finally parked about 2 blocks away in the post office back parking lot. My friend parked in the parking area beyond Key Bank. I noticed that the parking area between the shipping center and the post office had a parking attendant and they were charging $5 for parking on a lot I’m sure is already public. The ride on the train was very enjoyable and I felt we made very good time especially during the Seahawks venue. It would be good to have a more direct and safer route to and from the two stadiums.

By: Fred Feiertag

Fred Feiertag — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:28:53 +0000

I’ve been commuting on the Link trains three days per week since it started. At first I thought that it was taking longer than my former Metro bus route. It does take a few more minutes, but it is cleaner, quieter, and a nicer experience.

Having the ticket enforcers checking that you have paid is a bit less welcoming, but that happens less than half of the trips.

The depature from the Tukwila station give a fun almost roller coaster sensation as the train drop down the hill towards the mall formerly known as Southcenter. Is it worth it? Can’t say but I’ll think about that as I ride it six trips a week.

By: janet

janet — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:02:18 +0000

We loved the light rail! Rode it yesterday to the International District for Dim Sum. What a day. First time on the train. First time in the District. First time for Dim Sum. Afterwards we went downtown shopping. Now my husband has another excuse for not buying anything…..”don’t want to carry it back on the train.”

As a long-time “L” communter in Chicago, I can tell you it’s much cleaner, better air-conditioned and less crowded. Plus it leaves on time.

We plan to use it everytime we go downtown, except on game days, where we understand it’s jammed.

And for $7.50 for the day, it beats driving and parking. That’s for one senior and one regular adult. Plus we have the added benefit of not buying anything!

I strongly urge all Burien-ites to give it a try. Our next train adventure will be to go to lunch in Columbia City.

I noted the same as your ‘train-guy”, lots more people get on and off in the in-city stops. Makes me almost thankful to have the airport in our backyard. Almost.