Councilmember Rob Saka proposes amendments exploring new transportation options in South Lake Union and additional transit security

Today Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1) announced that he's introducing transit-focused amendments to the 2025-26 Budget package for consideration heading into final stages of the adoption process.

• Exploring South Lake Union Streetcar alternatives. The first amendment calls for a plan to thoughtfully retire the South Lake Union Streetcar and transfer that existing funding to operate the SLU Streetcar in favor of expanded transit service options such as buses that serve the South Lake Union area. The plan would include a proposed timeline for the depreciation of the SLU Streetcar service well ahead of the anticipated multi-year shutdown of services to accommodate the Sound Transit link light rail construction project, and document the availability of other transit services in the impacted SLU area including bus and rail.
• Boosting Transit Security. The other two related amendments would both proviso $1 million in funds from the recently passed Transportation Levy to fund a greater diversity of transit security options and request Seattle's Department of Transportation put together a report on its current security policies and document and report on areas of improvement, best practices, and potential partnerships to facilitate a regional approach to transit security.

With respect to the South Lake Union Streetcar transition amendment:

"As Transportation Committee Chair, I'm deeply concerned that residents aren't getting what they paid for when it comes to the South Lake Union Streetcar. There are much more effective ways we could be investing our transit dollars and that's why I'm proposing the executive take a serious look at alternatives with my amendment," said Councilmember Saka. "This isn't about killing transit - it's about ensuring our transportation dollars are wisely spent on expanded transit service in the area that people will actually use! At its core, this is a 1-for-1, transit-for-transit investment that would require a thoughtful transition of service."

Regarding the Transit Security amendments:

"Engaging with my constituents every day, I frequently hear themes, and increased transit safety and security has been a consistent one. As a region, we're not going to be able to deliver on our commitment to boost transit ridership unless we leverage the tools available to create a safer, more welcoming environment for all," added Councilmember Saka.

"I want to thank the Seattle City Council, and Councilmember Rob Saka especially, for supporting expanded funding and strategic partnerships to support regional transit safety," Greg Woodfill, President, ATU Local 587. "Transit security is crucial to ensuring that our operators and riders have a safe transit experience in Seattle. Everyone deserves the right to safely enjoy our region's vibrant public transit service without fearing for their health and wellbeing."

Background

The South Lake Union opened in 2007 to widespread fanfare (and internet fame) with the goal of increasing visitors and foot traffic in the area to help make it a vibrant hub of innovation and commerce. But it has since suffered from low ridership and high costs, in large part due to the subsequent addition of frequent bus service in the same area. Earlier this year the line was closed for weeks due to expensive electrical repairs.

Next Steps

The Budget Chair's Balancing Package was released on Oct. 30. The Council will begin the amendment process at the Nov. 13 Select Budget Committee meeting, following the second public on Nov. 12. Proposed amendments are expected to be published as early as Monday.

Additional information on the budget process, including the full committee calendar, can be found on the council website.

# # #

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.