Return the trolleys to the waterfront, eventually

Well it’s not only the old Australian streetcars that are at a dead end [“Classic streetcars stuck at dead end,” page one, June 18], can we have some progress here?

These beautiful 1920s Australian streetcars need to become a part of the new waterfront when the tunnel and subsequent street routing, parks and other properties are configured and finished. This is what we heard at the beginning of the planning for the tunnel and streets!

I do not recall what tracks were used, the streetcar’s individual tracks or others. Perhaps they were narrower.

At least someone had the good sense to store the valuable 1920s Australian trolleys that five-term councilman George Benson pioneered successfully in 1990s era, before the devastation of the economy, beginning in the 2001 elections.

I urge The Seattle Times to work with the City Council, Metro, the mayor and even stadium devotees to plan for the return of the trolleys when waterfront work is being finished.

Even though the state stupidly abolished tourism advertising, I know it will be very popular during tourist season, as even I’ve enjoyed the then trip from Jackson Street to the end of the line at the waterfront.

— Leonard Larson, Seattle

Affecting tourism

We find it highly disturbing that one of Seattle’s premier tourist attractions, the streetcars, have been put into storage.

We had planned our summer vacation trip to pass through Seattle, to visit the wharf area and to ride the streetcars. Now we will change our plans and spend our tourist dollars elsewhere.

— Charles J. Peterson, Columbia, Mo.