>>1450675Alrighty then, here's Seattle area. At first I was disagreeing about the new commuter ROW to Everett because of excessive expense, but then I thought that actually the line being built to Lynwood along I-5 would be put to better use as a heavy rail ROW for a commuter train, and have the LRT run on an at-grade ROW on Pacific Hwy, a bit slower but closer to the center of activity.
So, the sounder north would have two lines, the old one along the coast, and a new one along I-5. The smart thing to do here would be to use the one along I-5 with somewhat more frequent stops (without going overboard), and use the old line as express tracks, with no stops except Edmonds where it would also meet LRT and the ferry. From Everett I've marked an extended commuter line all the way Burlington.
On the south side I also share your view, keep LRT to Federal way, here I've also marked an extension to Auburn so it will meet the commuter rail. It's always good to have LRT or Metros to end where they meet the commuter rail, if possible, so a trip from halfway along the line to go catch a commuter train doesn't require backtracking. Plus it creates a new attractive point of origin for the LRT on the other end, adding many passengers in a stretch that might otherwise be underused. I've also added a branch to Kent and Covington. The commuter line itself I'd extend to Olympia, a reasonable distance and a relevant population center. A part of the ROW has been turned into a trail, so I'd assume turning it back into a rail ROW. Not an unreasonable expense.
Plus a short branch to Renton, since the track is conveniently there already.
