A. More and closer stops create longer trip times, greater traffic delays for both transit and general traffic, an uncomfortable jerky ride for passengers, higher incidences of rear end collisions and reduced parking for neighborhoods and businesses. Lower numbers of riders using each stop also make it difficult to justify adding improvements such as shelters or benches.
Metro uses general stop spacing guidelines of between 600 to 1200 feet between bus stops. Most stops were installed over 20 years ago when traffic conditions were much different. Some stops on 15th Avenue NW were much less that even the minimum of 600 feet.
In rural areas where there may be no sidewalks and walking conditions are poor stops can be closer together. Where there are good pedestrian facilities and increasing traffic congestion we like to space stops farther apart. Depending on the block size we like to space stops three to five blocks apart or about four to six stops per mile.
Q. Will all the remaining stops get a shelter?
A. A stop is eligible for a shelter if it has more than 50 people boarding there each day. By consolidating riders from many low use stops to a smaller number of higher use stops we can often justify adding shelters, benches and improved lighting. On 15th Avenue NW all but one of the south bound stops will eventually have passenger shelters. Most of the northbound stops do not have enough people getting on to justify a shelter; however, some may get a bench.
We use the number of people getting on the bus to make our decisions because people getting off the bus rarely need a shelter or bench.
Q. There are already too many people using the shelter at my stop. How can I get a bigger one installed?
A. You can make your request now through the Customer Assistance Office using either our e-mail address Customer.Comments AT metrokc D0T gov or the Customer Service Feedback Form (just fill out the applicable fields) and we'll pass it on to the appropriate staff.
Q. If a stop serves only a few riders then the bus doesn't have to stop there very often. Why couldn't you just leave it?
A. When driving a bus you have to plan for each stop well in advance. The driver tends to drive at a slower overall speed anticipating stops. If the driver knows there will not be another stop for three - five blocks then the bus can be driven at a higher speed and better match the general traffic flow traveling between the stops.
Q. Will my trip time be a lot faster now?
A. Yes and No. Your trip may seem faster but the actual time savings may vary depending on how far away from your destination you are when you get on. However, you may find your bus stays on schedule better. Saving a few minutes a day may not seem like much but it really adds up and may have a positive impact on our ability to provide on-time service.
Q. Where else are you doing this?
A. Metro is currently looking at a number of high use transit corridors where increased traffic congestion has slowed bus service. We will be considering a variety of options, including better signal timing, express service, signal preemption and stop consolidation.
Recently stop consolidation was implemented on NW Market Street and on N 45th Street, along Aurora Avenue and in downtown Seattle. It is also planned for University Avenue passing through the U-District.
Q. I still want my stop back, to whom do I make the request?
A. Customer Service can take your request to have your stop remain and pass your specific reasons on to the planners. Please do not expect a stop to be initially retained. Our plan is to implement the program and after obtaining operational experience we will then consider modifications.
We would like to get your comments or questions in writing for a permanent record. You may send a letter to:
Metro Customer Assistance Office
MS-KSC-TR-0326
201 S. Jackson St.
Seattle, WA 98104
or, send an e-mail.
Rather than considering comments on a one by one basis, the planners want to review all the comments together to see if changes are needed. If you leave your phone number or e-mail address a planner can contact you after reviewing everyone's comments.
Q. I am disabled and will no longer be able to use transit because my stop has been removed. What can I do?
A. We appreciate the difficulty of traveling an extra 100-200 feet to a bus stop. If this increase will actually prevent you from using a bus please contact a Rider Information Specialist at 206-553-3000 or ACCESS service Office at 206-263-3110 to discuss your needs.
Q. Will there be any other changes to the bus service on 15th?
A. Beginning on February 4, 2002, Route 15 Express will begin stopping at the bus stops between NW Market Street and NW 65th Street. This will allow us to better serve central Ballard and is possible because of the reduction in the total number of bus stops. Even with the addition of these stops, the 15 Express will have fewer stops than it does now.
