Metro Bus Tunnel (Seattle)
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The Metro Bus Tunnel, also referred to as the (Downtown) Seattle Transit Tunnel is a 1.3-mile-long transit tunnel that runs the length of downtown Seattle, from 9th Avenue and Pike Street to 5th Avenue S. and S. Jackson Street. Approved by Metro Transit in 1983, construction began in 1987. It was completed and service began in 1990, at a total cost of $444 million.
Around two dozen bus routes currently run through the tunnel. The buses are dual-powered, using electricity in the tunnel and diesel on city streets. The tunnel is currently used exclusively by buses, but is scheduled for closure on September 24 2005 so that it can be made to handle both buses and Sound Transit's Link Light Rail trains. It is expected to reopen in September 2007.
The Metro Bus Tunnel is entirely within the Ride Free Zone, so no fare is required at any station.
Route
The tunnel runs mostly northwest-southeast under 3rd Avenue, with its northern end running southwest-northeast under Pine Street. It has five stations. From north to south, they are:
- Convention Place Station, 9th Avenue and Pine Street
- Washington State Convention and Trade Center, Paramount Theatre, Greyhound Lines terminal. Transfer or cross Interstate 5 to Capitol Hill
- Westlake Station, Pine Street between 3rd and 6th Avenues
- University Street Station, 3rd Avenue between Union and Seneca Streets
- Benaroya Hall, Seattle Art Museum, Main Post Office, Washington Mutual Tower. Transfer to First Hill
- Pioneer Square Station, 3rd Avenue between Jefferson Street and Yesler Way
- Pioneer Square, King County Courthouse, King County and City of Seattle government offices, King County Jail
- International District Station, 5th Avenue S. and S. Jackson Street
- International District, Safeco Field, Qwest Field, King Street Station, Uwajimaya, Waterfront Streetcar. Transfer to Rainier Valley, Beacon Hill, Industrial District, SoDo
External Links
- Metro Transit (http://transit.metrokc.gov)
- Metro Bus Tunnel (http://transit.metrokc.gov/tops/bus/tunnel.html)
- Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel (http://www.seattletunnel.org/)