I would imagine the disinformation campaign originates with Will Knedlik, who is always a bad source, and was disbarred several years ago. Knedlik has very little interest in making this project work- he’s just using this issue as a wedge to stop light rail from crossing the lake.

First off, the increase in fares for Sound Transit buses was only 50 cents, and was done because ST bought new comfortable air conditioned buses, and because the buses make fewer stops (better for the suburban commuter). Second, ridership did not go down. Buses are full, and anybody who rides these routes can tell you the big problem is demand outpacing supply. Third, if Sound Transit decided to follow Will Knedlik’s idea to reprogram dollars currently going to crammed buses (to fund his pet whims without adequate study) the pitchforks and torches would come out.

In fact, Sound Transit is the only game in town when it comes to funding the Eastside rail line. Sound Transit has a draft plan out now which includes $50 million for the rail line; they are also funding a feasibility study to make sure the public’s tax dollars are invested wisely.

Knedlik and other anti-transit / NIMBY activists involved in Eastside Rail Now are being disingenuous in their actions, which is too bad since the concept of DMUs on the BNSF track is a good one. The Discovery Institute also operates in bad faith, due to their longtime opposition to light rail (last time they got involved, it was to push for monorail as a substitute for light rail).

Surrey Downs NIMBYs who follow Knedlik around will be hearing about their NIMBY counterparts in Newcastle and Renton as this concept moves forward.