The Herald recently brought to light many problems with the current Sound Transit program. It should be very clear to the citizens who were hoodwinked into originally voting for this “white elephant” that they were sold a program which is now many millions of dollars over budget, will not complete the light rail program in Seattle which was promised to the voters, and is years behind in getting any passenger rail service from Everett to Seattle.
It is interesting to note that Snohomish County leaders have played a crucial role in supporting the decreased service which was promised, and the huge cost overruns now facing Sound Transit. County Executive Bob Drewel and Dave Earling have both chaired the Sound Transit Board when these problems were surfacing. Where is the accountability of these two leaders when they continue to support this project?
One of the big issues which did not appear in the article was the subsidy cost Sound Transit pays for each rider on the Sounder Train from Tacoma to Seattle. At a $14 subsidy per rider, Sound Transit is currently providing a daily subsidy of $35,280 – more than $750,000 per month for rail service. Is it any wonder that citizens continue to support initiatives and referendums proposed by Tim Eyman?
It is really ironic that the Legislature can provide funds for athletic stadiums, rail systems, etc., but not adequately fund education and health care needs for our poor citizens. Isn’t it time we had “corporate welfare” reform on the former and realistic funding for the latter?
Marysville
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