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Capitol Hill Community NewsMetro Proposed Switch to Diesel BusesIn August 2003 we learned that Metro Transit intends to switch to diesel buses on the weekends for both route #7 and #43. This is to help save the County money during a difficult financial time. Unfortunately what it will do is increase the noise and air pollution in our dense residential neighborhood. Capitol Hill is the only area where these buses are running through heavily residential areas -- the #43 goes from Downtown through Capitol Hill and Montlake to the University District, the #7 goes to the University District and south through Capitol Hill to the Rainier Valley via downtown and Martin Luther King Boulevard. * Metro has not quantified the cost savings clearly -- Stated savings went from $100,000 at the end of July 2003 to $450,000 three weeks later without any explanation as to how these figures were obtained. * Diesel buses are much louder than electric trolley buses * Electric trolley buses produce no emissions, diesel buses, even using the most sophisticated new technology, produce exhaust fumes that contain compounds linked to lung cancer and may cause or exacerbate asthma. * For several blocks of Capitol Hill all three bus routes run together (between Pike Street east of I-5, across Bellevue to Pine Street); diesel buses will come by every 3-4 minutes in this area. * Capitol Hill is exceeding its growth targets for new density in compliance with the Growth Management Act yet we are expected to bear increased pollution in the sames area where there is increased density? * Shorter electric trolley buses may be an alternative option if ridership isn't too heavy * Transit ridership in the suburban communities aren't generating anticipated revenues for Metro -- they need to rethink their spending strategy. Who to contact about this proposal: Ron Sims Rick Walsh Larry Gossett Write in to Seattle City Council and the Mayor's office to voice your
opinion (email addresses available here): Here are some additional facts about the electric trolley buses: * Our electric articulated trolley buses (4000 series coaches) were put into service in 1986 (17 years old) * The Dual-mode tunnel buses due to replace the aging electric trolley buses were put into service in 1990 (13 years old) when the bus tunnel opened * Any new financing towards Metro, including if new taxes were levied, would be allocated 40% to East King County, 40% to South King County, and 20% towards Seattle/North King County as per the current 6-year plan. From Bill Bryant, Metro Transit Planner last year (2002): * King County Transportation Department: Six-Year Transit Development Plan for 2002-2007 Metro Transit: Info about their different buses (no environmental information is available) Sierra Club – Cascade Chapter, Transportation Committee American Lung Association: Diesel Exhaust and Air Pollution New Vancouver Trolleys An interesting article/factsheet about Vancouver’s electric bus system and how they might trade carbon emissions credits Holding Transportation Accountable for Air Quality Performance King County Environmental Purchasing Program SFMUNI: About Trolley Buses "Although their operations are less flexible than that of motor buses, trolley buses are more energy efficient, much quieter, and much less polluting. Also, they operate better on hills, require less maintenance, and are longer lasting than motor buses. Modern trolley buses have an auxiliary power unit (APU), which allows the buses to travel off-wire for several blocks and avoid anything blocking their normal route, such as an excavation in the street or a street fair. The use of trolley buses is generally restricted to lines on which a high-enough frequency of service can justify the expense of the electric power system installation and vehicle costs." (There is additional information about their trolley bus program on this page as well) EVAA: Electric and Hybrid-Electric Bus Information Sharing and Technology Transfer Program APTA: All About Buses -- Lots of links and information To learn more please visit the following links: Action Alert: Metro Bus news that will affect Capitol Hill/Bus routes #7 & #43 - capitolhillnews Metro switch irks Capitol Hill Councilman sets hearing on Metro bus switch Diesel Buses Response from Metro Management - capitolhillnews Letter from Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce Opposing the Diesel Bus Change Letter from Rep. Ed Murray to Ron Sims Metro bus switch prompts concerns Time to make some noise about diesel buses - capitolhillnews |
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Last updated 10/8/03.