Transit sleuthing Seattle, Portland, and maybe a place near you.
The concept of "third places," introduced by Ray Oldenburg, highlights social spaces outside home and work, crucial for community connection. Unfortunately, American urban planning has systematically eliminated these places, leading to rising loneliness. Solutions include creating walkable, mixed-use environments that prioritize free access to genuine public spaces, fostering social interaction…
The opening of the Crosslake Connection on March 28, 2026, marks a significant advancement in Seattle's transportation system, interlinking Redmond, Bellevue, Mercer Island, and Seattle into a cohesive light rail network. This development enhances service frequency and alleviates traffic congestion. Observed passenger loads indicate a healthy balance, suggesting gradual habit formation among…
The author describes a beautiful day riding light rail across a picturesque lake in Seattle, enjoying stunning mountain views in every direction. They note the quiet atmosphere aboard the crowded train, highlight the cultural diversity reflected in multilingual announcements, and mention using scooters for the last mile of their journey.
The author explores the new Federal Way Downtown light rail station, discovering Crazy Pho Cajun, a restaurant that combines Vietnamese cuisine with Cajun flavors. Notable dishes include the smothered catfish and fusion options like Cajun Crawfish Pho. The establishment enhances accessibility to unique dining experiences for transit users.
On December 6, 2025, Sound Transit will open three new stations, deepening its Link 1 Line into South King County. Kent Des Moines Station targets college students, Star Lake Station functions as a transit hub with ample parking, and Federal Way Downtown Station aims for urban development. Their effectiveness hinges on surrounding development.
Sound Transit’s Link 1 Line is a 40-mile light rail corridor connecting Lynnwood to Federal Way, designed for high-capacity transit independent of road traffic. Funded by voter-approved taxes, its spine model reflects Seattle's geography and politics but results in less comprehensive service than a network. Future expansions aim to address regional gaps.
Seattle’s founding is marked by the arrival of white settlers in 1851, led by Arthur Denny, who exploited the Duwamish people’s land. Despite the settlers' entitlement, Chief Sealth aided their survival. As Seattle evolved, the Interurban Railway fostered regional connectivity before its decline. Today, the Link 1 Line aims to address past mistakes, underscoring the importance of community…
Parklets: A Glimmer of Hope (That Mostly Got Crushed) In the early 2010s—and then again during the pandemic—we saw something weird: parklets started popping up. Cities let restaurants and businesses convert curbside parking into mini patios and gathering spaces. They were scrappy, hopeful, often built with plywood and planters. And for a moment? They worked. […]
From Common Ground to Commercialized Nowhere If you’re in a suburb, odds are your nearest third place is at least a 10-minute drive away—and no, a drive-thru Starbucks doesn’t count. Urban planning over the last 50 years has systematically pushed out the informal, low-cost, and unbranded spaces in favor of traffic flow, parking capacity, and […]
The post involves multiple modes of transport including an e-bike, bus, and light rail, but today was chaotic due to forgetting bike lock keys. After backtracking to retrieve them, they attended a meeting at a coffee shop and finally resumed their journey to the office, navigating various transit challenges along the way.