In the photo, Mrs. Alar standing at one of the bus stops on Rainier Avenue South. Photo credit: Mohamud Yussuf, founder and editor, Runta News Media.
Christine Alar, a senior transportation planner at the Seattle Department of Transportation, has given more details about the Bus-Only Lane on Rainier Avenue South. Speaking to Runta News Channel, Mrs Alar said bus-only lane is restricted to buses only. The only other mode of transportations that can travel on that lane are bicycles and emergency vehicles, she added.
Talking overall the purpose and benefits of the project, Mrs Alar described the goal of the project is to make transit an accessible, convenient, and reliable transportation choice for all people living in, working in, and visiting the Rainier Valley by expanding the network of bus lanes to create a more reliable and effective transit system.
“There have been concerns about speeding and misuse of the bus-only lanes on Rainier Ave S and these concerns are being addresses to make the road safer as they move forward working with King County Metro to extend the northbound bus-only lane on Rainier Ave South”, said Christine Alar.
Facts and updates about Rainier Ave S Bus-Only Lane
According to the Seattle Department of Transportation’s website, specific to this project
Rainier Ave S Bus Lane – Transportation | seattle.gov, these are the facts you may need to know.
What is happening now?
Installation of raised street markings across the bus-only lane on Rainier Ave S at S Alaska St and additional signs nearby to reinforce appropriate use of the bus-only lane are complete. Traffic will be observed for up to six months and see if there is a reduction in speeding and misuse of the bus-only lane. In tandem with these installations, SDOT will launch an educational campaign in the coming month to help people who are not familiar with bus-only lanes better understand the purpose of bus-only lanes.
Quick facts about bus lanes
- People driving cars and trucks cannot travel in lanes marked and signed as “bus only”. Lanes painted red are restricted to buses only 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
- People driving can enter bus lanes to make right turns into driveways and at intersections.
- People biking can use bus lanes.
- Emergency response vehicles can use bus lanes when responding to an incident.
- Only public transportation vehicles are allowed to use marked “bus only” lanes. This does not include school buses, vanpools, work shuttles, motorcycles, carpools or charter buses.
Here is the full interview Mrs. Alar gave Runta News Channel Rainier Ave Bus-Only Lane
Mulki and Bedria who are very active community members run the interview with her. Both represent community concerns in public spaces such as government departments.
Christine Alar, the SDOT Spokesperson, is a Senior Transportation Planner at the Seattle Department of Transportation. She is currently working within the Transit and Mobility division where her team focuses on strategies and investments to improve transit service within the city. Much of the work involves close partnerships and coordination with the local transit agencies and review of City projects to maintain efficient transit operation and seek opportunities to partner for transit improvements. Christine graduated from the University of Washington and has worked as a transit professional for over 20 years. Her previous work includes urban planning in the Bay Area, implementation of the Mayor’s Transportation Plan in London (UK), and project coordination for Sounder Commuter Rail at Sound Transit in Seattle.
