Mass transit delays lead to more traffic on the roads and a greater risk of a motor vehicle accident. Whether you have been forced to walk or drive because of the inconvenience of mass transit delays, you have been removed from a safer means of transportation. The car accident attorneys at Schauermann Thayer Injury Law will work to get you a settlement if you have been injured by someone else’s negligence.
Sound Transit is in the middle of a repair campaign to ready the light rail system for the opening of a major new line. Recently, Sound Transit largely took a section of the main downtown tunnel offline for track replacement. As a result, many drivers were forced to find new transit alternatives to avoid lengthy delays during their commute.
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Sound Transit Has Reduced Service to Make Repairs
The 1 Line is generally a reliable public transit service. 80,000 people per day rely on the light rail to reach their destinations. Although the 1 Line’s safety record is slightly below average, people are generally confident in an uneventful and on-time trip.
In order to maintain the line in relatively safe condition, Sound Transit must periodically conduct large-scale maintenance on the system. Sound Transit has been executing a maintenance plan called “Future Ready,” which has been performed in phases. Much of the work is done, but Sound Transit plans on additional projects in the near future.
Recently, Sound Transit performed extensive work in the tunnel that carries the Light Rail under parts of Downtown Seattle. There is a section of track between University Street and Westlake that curves sharply. Over time, the wear and tear has worn down the track, leading to a bumpier ride for passengers. Sound Transit was trying to get out ahead of a potential future problem with trains operating over worn tracks.
In addition, Sound Transit also replaced about 60 signal boxes tied into tracks in the downtown tunnel. In the past, both buses and trains used this tunnel, causing damage to the boxes.
The track work was to last for three weeks. During that time, Sound Transit reduced the frequency of service to one train every 26 minutes. In addition, weekend service was either eliminated or seriously curtailed. Sound Transit ran turn-back shuttles for riders on both sides of the affected area, but those who had to pass through could expect significant delays. For riders who rely on the 1 Line, the service disruptions made their lives much harder.
Sound Transit Continues Large-Scale Maintenance Projects
Sound Transit continues to plan other projects in advance of the opening of the Lynnwood Link extension in 2025. One possible future project is a grade crossing repair in the area of the Stadium and International District/Chinatown Stations. Currently, trains have had to slow down in the vicinity of these stations due to water on the rails. The agency has invested heavily in capital projects to enhance service. However, there are impacts on riders while repairs and other capital projects are occurring. Reduced service means much more difficult commutes and longer waits for trains. Although many riders would return to public transit when the work is complete, they are often left looking for interim solutions to save them time.
Additional Traffic Leads to Higher Risk of Car and Pedestrian Accidents
While local authorities often encourage people to take public transit whenever practicable, the delays can make it harder. Thus, people may choose to stay in their cars, or even to walk to get where they are heading.
Light rail repairs often mean extra traffic in the downtown core of the city. The congested roads increase the risk of car accidents. Motorists who may be unfamiliar with the roads because they rarely drive are forced to navigate city traffic when it is at its busiest. Then, they are dealing with several traffic challenges, including pedestrians who often have the right-of-way.
Generally, a person significantly decreases their chances of suffering a personal injury when they take mass transit to reach their destination by up to 90%. It follows that life becomes much more dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians, even if they are only forced to abandon mass transit for a few weeks. Those who have been injured in accidents when they had to abandon public transit, or anyone else who has been injured in a traffic incident, may be eligible for financial compensation when they can show that someone else was at fault for what happened.
Contact a Seattle Motor Vehicle Accidents Attorney Today
Call Schauermann Thayer Injury Law when you need a tough and determined advocate to stand up for you during the legal process. We have established a reputation as being fierce fighters for our clients in their times of need. Insurance companies fear us because they have seen what we can do firsthand. You can schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer by calling us today at (360) 818-2725. You pay us nothing unless you win, and never out of your own pocket.
