I applaud the efforts of Seattle Subway to push for a more ambitious light rail plan for the area. Traffic around here has gotten horrendous and it’s high time we made these investments in our transportation infrastructure.

Like most Americans, I grew up driving everywhere.  After college I lived and worked abroad in Taiwan where I experienced the benefits of a world-class subway and light rail network firsthand. Even in a bustling metropolis of 2.6 million people like Taipei, getting across town on the subway during rush hour only takes 15-20 minutes.  In a car it would take three times that long.

Compared to everyone driving his or her own car, light rail is safer (no drunk or distracted drivers), more efficient (no traffic jams), more convenient (no need to find parking), cheaper (no gas tank to fill), and more environmentally friendly.

Once people here experience the convenience of a subway system they will change their transportation choices and ultimately increase their quality of life.

Rush hour traffic is already becoming intolerable, and the Seattle area’s population is predicted to grow. Now more than ever we need efficient, reliable mass transit.

It’s time to invest in light rail.

-Alex Jeffers, Bellevue