tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570611303926286567.post-18946340974006997322008-05-13T04:19:00.000-07:002008-05-13T04:24:04.225-07:00Funny to think that for the future of Seattle surface transportation, technology with roots in the late 1800s is being compared to technology that is not much younger. <a href="http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/transportation/362080_streetcar07.html">Streetcars and Electric Trolley buses were in a shootout</a> last night at the city council meeting after the city's department of transportation presented reports on which parts of Seattle would be best served by either one.<br /><br />Up front, the costs for electric buses are lower, but the report stated that the system doesn't last as long as a streetcar system or light rail line - which both cost more per mile. Then there's the thing that nobody wants to mention here, because it's a heartstring argument: data indicates streetcars bring in ridership better than buses, even if the overall costs are higher.Kurt Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168803552771302287noreply@blogger.com