One of the biggest challenges Seattle faces is its transportation systems. The city is launching a series of talks at the library about the future of mobility. The aim is to get the public thinking about urban design as the population grows.
Anyone who drives a car knows that as the economy has picked up over the last couple of years, so has traffic. Commute times are increasing and many buses are overcrowded. And the city says it’s going to have to keep packing more people into each square mile.
“We’re expecting 120,000 new residents and 115,000 new jobs over the next 20 years,” says Rick Sheridan, a spokesman with Seattle’s Department of Transportation.
He says a key concept that’s been carried out under the leadership of Mayor Ed Murray is integrating more different ways of getting around.
“And by putting in facilities like protected bike lanes, neighborhood greenways, we're providing facilities that make people feel more comfortable, and make them think that's good choice to move into and through a neighborhood,” Sheridan said.
Integrating new modes of transportation is one of the topics that will be featured in the talks at the Seattle Central Library. Car sharing will be part of tonight’s discussion. The featured speaker is with Zipcar.
