Making access to transit safe and comfortable is one of SDOT's primary goals
Over the past two years SDOT has been in the process of developing a Transit Master Plan (TMP) to develop short- and long-term policies, programs, and projects resulting in a high-quality transit system that is easier, more effective, and more enjoyable for Seattle residents, visitors, and employees. We’re currently putting the finishing touches on the plan but we often hear a common question about the TMP: the city does not provide transit services, so why are we developing a Transit Master Plan?
First and foremost, we manage the streets upon which Metro, Community Transit, and Sound Transit buses operate. Making transit faster and more reliable is dependent on the City’s signal systems, street design priorities, and traffic management procedures.
Second, the city develops and manages sidewalks and bicycle facilities, which are critical to ensuring that people can access transit in a safe and comfortable manner. Seattle’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plans are part of the foundation of the Transit Master Plan.
- SDOT relocated the stop at Aurora and 84th to provide more waiting room and to open up the previously constricted sidewalk
Third, the city sets land use policies for transit corridors and station areas, which are important to ensure that the greatest possible number of residents and employees have access to high quality transit.
Last, we work to create great places at locations in neighborhoods where modes and corridors connect to facilitate seamless integration of the pedestrian, bicycle, and transit networks. At McGraw Square, SDOT transformed the link between the Seattle Streetcar, the monorail, and the Transit Tunnel at Westlake from an unfriendly skewed intersection to an active space with straightforward pedestrian facilities.
- McGraw Square
These are just a few of many reasons for developing a Transit Master Plan for Seattle. The plan will provide a vision for Seattle’s future high speed transit network, identify priority investments along critical corridors, and provide a transit supportive policy framework that will set Seattle up for long term mass transit efficiency. For more information about the TMP please check out our very informative website.