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Transportation
Living in a city completely surrounded by water, it’s only natural to want to enjoy it. But whether your craft is propelled by wind, will or the wonders of fossil fuel, it all has an effect on the sensitive aquatic ecosystems below. Fish, shellfish, sea birds and other forms of aquatic life require a balance of nutrients, oxygen and clean water to survive. Even small quantities of toxic products in the water can disrupt this balance, with lasting harmful effects.
Becoming part of a car-share program like Zip Car is a great alternative to owning your own personal vehicle. Not only are all maintenance and insurance issues covered by the program, but you also get access to over twenty different car models of all shapes and sizes located all over the city.
Traveling by bicycle is a fun and exciting way to get where you need to go. Besides being a pure joy to ride, biking saves our environment by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere and decreasing our dependence on fossil fuels. What else makes biking the better option? The many benefits include increased personal health, reduced road congestion, and money saved.
When heading out of town, whether it’s business or pleasure, taking the train is good alternative to driving your personal vehicle. Knowing that Amtrak trains have been running up and down the west coast for decades, it’s easy to hop on board and feel safe and secure. Most Amtrak lines run along scenic routes, near waterways or through mountains, adding a little extra beauty to the ride. Amtrak passenger trains also have a dining car to provide food and beverages for hungry travelers.
The trolley that runs from north downtown to South Lake Union is perhaps most famous for the controversial acronym of its name, but the streetcar serves as an effective transport for commuters. Launched in December 2007, the trolley quickly passed the 100,000 rider milestone in just over a month of operation. It is powered by electricity, and seats 27 with standing room for more. There is also a program sponsored by King County Metro called South Lake Union Trip$ which will pay commuters to avoid driving alone to work. Those of you with a job in the South Lake Union area should check it out.
In and around Seattle, the King County Metro bus system is where thousands of commuters turn daily to get where they need to go. With a fleet of around 1,300 buses and an estimated ridership of around 100 million annually, it’s no wonder you can’t turn a corner with out seeing a bus go by. Whether you are heading south to Columbia City or north to Everett, there is a Metro bus waiting to take you there.
Using public transportation to get around the city is an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to driving your personal vehicle. Whether you are heading to work, out running errands, or going to dinner and a movie, there is a public bus, boat or train that can take you there quickly and easily. Using public transit also helps cut down on road congestion and air pollution by providing an alternative mode of transportation for commuters.
