SEATAC -
Riders say they love the light-rail system to Seatac Airport; it is definitely cheaper than taxis, shuttle buses or airport parking. But they say they are not thrilled about the walk.
Once the train arrives at the airport, riders have a small trek to get to the terminal. The walk takes them down an escalator, out of the train station, and through a series of walkways. After that, the walk takes passengers over a bridge into the airport and it's just one more escalator ride up to the departure area.
It's not the quickest way to get to your flight, but it's cheaper than other forms of transportation. As far as passengers having to haul their luggage, the airport wanted to install moving walk-ways but the ceiling isn't high enough.
This all comes as new numbers show that light-rail ridership in November was at its lowest level in four months. Last month the light-rail system averaged about 14,000 weekday boarding. That's down from almost 16,000 in October and nearly 15,000 in August and September.
Sound Transit says the dip isn't a big surprise since October tends to be the best month for bus and commuter rail lines. Ridership is expected to greatly increase after the airport service begins Saturday.
Back in July, the 14 mile stretch opened from Downtown Seattle to the Tukwila station. At the time Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels tested out the Central Link light rail.
In June, a new rapid transit Metro bus service will run to the Tukwila and Sea-Tac Airport stations from the south every 10 minutes. That will allow for easy transfers to Link.
The light rail line from Downtown Seattle to Tukwila cost $2.3 billion.
Once the train arrives at the airport, riders have a small trek to get to the terminal. The walk takes them down an escalator, out of the train station, and through a series of walkways. After that, the walk takes passengers over a bridge into the airport and it's just one more escalator ride up to the departure area.
It's not the quickest way to get to your flight, but it's cheaper than other forms of transportation. As far as passengers having to haul their luggage, the airport wanted to install moving walk-ways but the ceiling isn't high enough.
This all comes as new numbers show that light-rail ridership in November was at its lowest level in four months. Last month the light-rail system averaged about 14,000 weekday boarding. That's down from almost 16,000 in October and nearly 15,000 in August and September.
Sound Transit says the dip isn't a big surprise since October tends to be the best month for bus and commuter rail lines. Ridership is expected to greatly increase after the airport service begins Saturday.
Back in July, the 14 mile stretch opened from Downtown Seattle to the Tukwila station. At the time Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels tested out the Central Link light rail.
In June, a new rapid transit Metro bus service will run to the Tukwila and Sea-Tac Airport stations from the south every 10 minutes. That will allow for easy transfers to Link.
The light rail line from Downtown Seattle to Tukwila cost $2.3 billion.
