Brian Gershon

I felt like I was in a whole new Seattle today, as I commuted from Columbia City to Downtown on the new Light Rail.

As the train clickety-clacked out of the Beacon Hill tunnel toward Downtown, its elevated position over the city made me think I was in a city more known for its public transportation.  I’m a fan of metro, but having light rail brings a whole new feeling of a grown-up city.

Seat with a View

The trains were immaculent, air-conditioned – and I was greeted by smiling people – both passengers and Sound Transit employees who were helping on this first commute day.

The topic of “Light Rail” was even a great ice-breaker to stir up conversation with random people at coffee shops, or while out at lunch.

Sound Transit visits a packed house at New Rainier Vista

Now for my neighbors and I who have been eagerly watching the train testing for months at New Rainier Vista, we knew everything about Light Rail here.  Sound Transit visited not too long ago to answer questions, discuss safety, and get us excited about Orca passes.

… but it was interesting to talk with people that didn’t really know much about Light Rail, even after the free all-weekend “party” focused on Light Rail stations and destinations.

Here were some comments to my ice-breaker of “Did you have a chance to try out Light Rail today?”:

• “Ah, is that what they call the SLUT?”  No I said, that’s the small train from downtown to Lake Union.  This is a MUCH larger train.
• “Traffic from Tacoma to Seattle is crazy, this will sure be nice for them”.  No I said (nicely of course) – this train goes between Tukwila (and eventually the airport) to downtown.  A 2nd person made the same connection to Tacoma.  They were both thinking of the Sounder.

Though I guess if you don’t live along the route, the trip from downtown to the airport may be the most visible benefit.  I too am excited to be able to take Light Rail to the Airport (from my house), and even before this leg opens in December, the frequent shuttle between Tukwila and SeaTac will make this a reality before then.

I’m also excited to particularly check out the Beacon Hill station.  I’ve heard the station artwork is great — plus this area is now only 2 stops away.  I hardly ever visited before because the buses didn’t directly connect.

I will however miss the “Metro #42 Downtown” and its bus stop across from my house.

This stop is where I’ve met many of my neighbors, with a unique crowd depending on time of the morning.  The other day, I felt like I was at Cheers in Boston – talking with existing neighbors, and meeting new neighbors who had overheard our conversation while riding a full bus downtown.

Will I run into my neighbors now that I have to walk 5 blocks to the Columbia City station, and now that there is no set schedule to congregate around?

… moments later, I ran into my neighbor Greg on the way in this morning, and just saw my neighbor Joanne on the way home.  My worry is over.