Carpoolers should be able to use ramp

I have been following the story of the 164th Street overpass connecting the Ash Way Park and Ride with the carpool lanes on I-5. Through all the delays (full year delay) and cost overruns ($3.2 million), I have continued to look forward to the completion of this ramp. You see, I carpool every day from the Ash Way Park and Ride, and I agree that the trips through the traffic and lights on 164th to get on and off the freeway are difficult and time consuming. I carpool for multiple reasons, including helping the environment, saving gas money and saving time by using the carpool lane in the busy afternoon commute. I feel I am contributing to the reduction of traffic and pollution.

I am frustrated and disappointed (OK, let’s be truthful – I’m ticked off!) that Sound Transit, the Washington Department of Transportation, Community Transit, etc., have decided that our nice new $20 million overpass into the Ash Way Park and Ride won’t be available to me as a carpooler. What’s up with that? Did my tax money for Sound Transit not go to help pay for this? I don’t think Community Transit, Sound Transit and their riders paid for this alone. Think of the many carpoolers and vanpoolers (yes they are all taxpayers too) this very expensive ramp could benefit as well. I know we all paid our tax money for this ramp, and damn it, I want to use it!

Brad Greenfield

Mukilteo