KOMO 4: Seattle streetcar faces uncertain future as council members seek to end current, new lines

This story was originally published by KOMO 4 on Nov. 13, 2024.

SEATTLE — The South Lake Union streetcar is now at the center of a Seattle City Council debate with multiple council members proposing amendments to end its service.

Transportation Chair Rob Saka is introducing a budget amendment on Tuesday that would draw down or phase out the SLU streetcar by late next year. In an interview with KOMO News, he said the line has achieved its goals, but that ridership was low and the city was not getting a good return on the investment.

One proposal under consideration is to cut the SLU streetcar service altogether and redirect its operating funds to expand bus service.

In addition, Seattle City Councilmember Bob Kettle, who represents downtown, is pitching a separate amendment to take the long-discussed Center City Connector, also known as the Cultural Connector, out of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The legislation is aimed at effectively killing any future plans for the streetcar, which has long been pitched by transit proponents as the key to connecting the SLU line and the First Hill line.

Then-Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan put a pause on planning for the line in 2018, amid concerns about the growing cost.

The streetcar was taken out of service in August due to electrical issues but returned to regular service on Sept. 4.

According to the Seattle Department of Transportation, the SLU line only serves about 500 daily riders, a stark contrast to the 3,000 to 4,000 who use the First Hill streetcar. The SLU streetcar’s operation costs are also significant, nearing $4.4 million in 2023.

It has been in place since 2007, after years of planning, and private investment from Vulcan. SLU has built up around it, thanks in large part to Amazon’s growth.

“We’re seeing more residents, workers and visitors in downtown and now is not the time to take existing mobility options off the table. With looming major transportation projects like Revive I-5 impacting our network’s capacity, we need to ensure the transit modes we already have downtown are functioning optimally, safely and a providing great experience,” the Downtown Seattle Association said in a statement to KOMO News.

“We’ve always been strong proponents of investments in transit and transportation. The proposal to retire the South Lake Union streetcar is shortsighted and is contrary to supporting the types of infrastructure improvements that contribute to a vibrant city, including those identified in the Downtown Activation Plan,” Vulcan Real Estate said in a statement to KOMO News.

The Vulcan website calls the SLU line part of the “success story” of the neighborhood.

“I think maybe it doesn’t get the publicity it needs,” said an employee about why riders don’t seem to use the public transit option.

When the SLU streetcar closed in August, King County Metro said the necessary repair parts had to be sourced from overseas. The delays not only frustrated loyal riders, but also pointed to the operating challenges the city faces.

The Transportation Choices Coalition, a policy and advocacy group that backs transit options and recently supported the city’s $1.55 billion dollar transportation levy, declined comment on the council members’ dueling proposals.

Amazon could not immediately be reached for comment.