Not enough service

The Seattle Times article on the troubles on the Sound Transit North line should not surprise anyone [“Too many empty seats on Sounder north line,” page one, Oct. 16]. The fact that it is along the shoreline is indeed a disadvantage, but the problem is, as always, not enough service.

First, a few more station stops north of King Street to serve riders who don’t necessarily want to go downtown would help; Ballard, Shoreline, and/or Interbay come to mind. There is also the Boeing plant in Everett to which there is a rail connection with the main line. Lastly, the train is best suited for longer commutes and if Snohomish, even Monroe were included, the ridership would likely blossom.

The real difficulty is that transit planners always think too small. When trains don’t go anywhere and the schedules are thin, then people won’t use them. It is interesting to ponder just what sign from heaven politicians and voters will need to see in order to recognize that better public transit is a necessity for a healthy community and the planet.

— Reiner Decher, Seattle