5 ways to solve our awful traffic problems

Oct 8, 2014, 11:37 AM | Updated: 4:49 pm

The problem:
The Everett to Seattle commute, which we just found out is the worst.

The solution:
Build high speed rail from Everett to Seattle.

Why?
The Sounder train's northern route is plagued by mudslides that halt service all winter long. Add to that, the Everett to Seattle morning commute is the longest in the Puget Sound. A faster way to travel is necessary. High speed rail can go as fast as 150 to 200 miles per hour. That means that a train from Everett to Seattle could take just 15 minutes.

Where it's been implemented:
Most famously, high speed rail has been implemented in Japan, where the tracks are longer than the distance between Seattle and Everett: the longest stretches nearly 418 miles.

the worst</a>. The solution: Build high speed rail from Everett to Seattle. Why? The Sounder train's northern route is plagued by mudslides that <a href=https://mynorthwest.com/143505/5-ways-to-solve-our-awful-traffic-problems/"/76/2169889/Another-mudslide-brings-avalanche-of-calls-to-kill-Sounder-north-train-service" target="_blank">halt service</a> all winter long. Add to that, the Everett to Seattle morning commute is the longest in the Puget Sound. A faster way to travel is necessary. High speed rail can go as fast as 150 to 200 miles per hour. That means that a train from Everett to Seattle could take just 15 minutes. Where it's been implemented: Most famously, high speed rail has been implemented in Japan, where the tracks are longer than the distance between Seattle and Everett: the longest stretches nearly 418 miles." decoding="async" srcset="https://mynorthwest.com/wp-content/uploads/cms/apimage/1046/ap_8f31de6196d73e26610f6a70670003bc-150x150.jpg 150w, https://mynorthwest.com/wp-content/uploads/cms/apimage/1046/ap_8f31de6196d73e26610f6a70670003bc-60x60.jpg 60w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />

The problem:
Getting around within the City of Seattle.

The solution:
Travel by wire to the top of Seattle's hills.

Why?
Whether it's an aerial tram or air gondolas, traveling by wire comes with a few different names in varying styles. It's even been talked about as something that could one day come to Seattle, as a tourist attraction, as well as a mode of transportation. This option comes in handy because although there's only a 10-block walk from downtown Seattle to Capitol Hill, it's steep and it makes your calves burn in a not-so-great-way. It would also cut down on some of the city's biggest chokepoints, like Denny Way.

Where it's been implemented:
Portland. Ski resorts. State fairs and Disneyland.

chokepoints, like Denny Way. Where it's been implemented: <a href=https://mynorthwest.com/143505/5-ways-to-solve-our-awful-traffic-problems/"http://www.gobytram.com/" target="_blank">Portland</a>. <a href=https://mynorthwest.com/143505/5-ways-to-solve-our-awful-traffic-problems/"/11/407973/Crystal-Mountain-gondola-opens">Ski resorts</a>. State fairs and <a href=https://mynorthwest.com/143505/5-ways-to-solve-our-awful-traffic-problems/"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skyway_(Disney)#mediaviewer/File:DisneylandSkyway.jpg" target="_blank">Disneyland</a>." decoding="async" srcset="https://mynorthwest.com/wp-content/uploads/cms/13/1322/132293-150x150.jpg 150w, https://mynorthwest.com/wp-content/uploads/cms/13/1322/132293-60x60.jpg 60w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />

The problem:
Sitting in traffic and getting no exercise.

The solution:
A bicycle built for two, or three or six - a conference bike.

Why?
For commuters who want to do a little work getting around town, but not all of the work, step aboard the conference bike where everyone pedals and one person steers. The bike allows you to have a social commute and get some exercise while stuck in traffic.

Where it's been implemented:
The official ConferenceBike was created by artist Eric Staller and is manufactured in Santa Cruz. A similar bicycle is used in Seattle at the Cycle Saloon.

It’s like we’re banging our heads against the wall, reporting what you already know: traffic is terrible. And it’s getting worse. When you’re nearing the top of the list for cities with the worst commute, where do you go from there?

It’s time to talk about some of the creative solutions we could implement to relieve the congestion.

Lists V2

Nicole Jennings

TSA found more guns at Sea-Tac in 2022 than any other year

TSA agents found 113 guns in people's carryon luggage at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport last year, more than any other year on record.

1 year ago

Tom Tangney

Tom Tangney’s Oscar predictions & who he thinks should win

Recently, the Academy Awards have become more like coronations than competitions. So many award shows have already taken place by the time the Oscars come around, that the winners are mostly foregone conclusions. But not this year! There are legitimate toss-ups in three of the biggest categories - Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director.

9 years ago

No Author

5 cool Gates Foundation projects you probably haven’t heard of

Bill Gates has once again topped the Forbes list of the 10 richest people in the world. And what does he do with all that cash? The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has gained fame for giving back, in Washington and globally.

9 years ago

No Author

5 losses just as painful as the Seahawks Super Bowl XLIX loss

On Thursday, "Brock & Salk" listened back to these five play-by-plays from some of the most painful losses in sports history. Maybe they can help the 12th Man move on after a Super Bowl loss.

10 years ago

No Author

Marshawn Lynch’s 10 best interviews, ranked

Beast Mode Marshawn Lynch is a man of few words. In fact, he says so little that he's had to pay tens of thousands of dollars in fines because he wouldn't talk the media.

10 years ago