This conference presentation provides a brief overview of the downtown Seattle transit project, referred to as Seattle's bus tunnel. Background information is provided on why the tunnel was developed rather than a surface treatment, followed by a discussion of the major components of the project (the tunnel, the surface circulation system, surface improvements, and the dual-powered bus technology). At the tunnel's north portal there is a direct connection to the I-5 HOV lanes and at the southern most station there is a connection to an exclusive busway. By early 1992 there will also be a connect to the I-90 HOV lanes. Seattle Metro is currently operating 13 routes in the tunnel with about 15,000 passengers a day. This conference was conducted by the Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, Municipality of Metropolitan Seattle and Washington State Department of Transportation in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration and the Urban Mass Transportation Administration.
Abstract