Last year, Puget Sound metro residents voted down a package of road improvements and mass transit, thanks to a left-right opposition coalition of anti-tax zealots coupled with a few environmental groups (most enviros, it should be noted, supported the package). The plan was painstakingly negotiated in order to earn interest group support from both the urban areas that would benefit from the light rail, and suburban areas that wanted the road improvements. But the Sierra Club, plus a few Democrats, were against the new roads, while the anti-taxers were against spending money. After the defeat, most doubted we would see a new transit proposal for at least another five years.
But here we are, with Sound Transit poised to put a trains-only measure on the ballot. If it passes, all I can say is I was wrong, and good for them for getting it done. Maybe when Atrios visits in 2020 he can ride the SUPeRTRAIN.
