Thread by @SeattleSubway

Thread: exploring @SoundTransit’s three new light rail stations as part of the 4.3-mile #NorthgateLink light rail extension, which will add 40,000-50,000 additional daily riders post-COVID, at a cost of $1.9B. The project arrived $50m under budget.

northgatelink.com/?gclid=CjwKCAj…

U DISTRICT STATION

The most stunning thing about this station is @SoundTransit’s public art program and the installation of “Fragment Brooklyn” which evokes urban living through windows and other artifacts, infused with video-art bringing it to life.

crosscut.com/culture/2021/0…

At U District Station today starting at 10, people can get $3 bites at dozens of restaurants marked by the blue (or Bora Bora Seashore-colored, to be specific) stanchions.

udistrictseattle.com/udistrict-stat… @UDPartnership

Sound Transit learned their lesson at other stations and here have redundant escalators as well as a stairwell with great views

What’s disappointing on opening day is @SoundTransit continues to showcase its timeless inability to do 2 things right:

1️⃣ Provide real time information
2️⃣ Operate an escalator. 2 are out, on opening day 🤦🏻‍♀️

You’d think the agency would work harder to fix endemic failures

While @SoundTransit can’t tell you where a train is 😡, above ground, @kcmetrobus has installed great real time arrival screens and they know where all their buses are 🎉

The beautiful U DISTRICT STATION is punctuated by colored beams of burnt Orange and Bora Bora Seashore (thanks @donblakeney).

Collaboration between @SoundTransit, @seattledot, @kcmetrobus and @UDPartnership has created an appropriately safe, people-focused and activated space around U DISTRICT STATION, around which 20 high rises are under construction (until this project U District had just one)

Time to head from U DISTRICT STATION to ROOSEVELT, all aboard a new @Siemens trainset.

Thankful for the spacious interiors in the bendy sections, better onboard information systems, and exterior destination signs that thankfully no longer scroll/crawl.

ROOSEVELT STATION is beautiful and spacious with floating staircases. The STart public art program resulted in an impressionistic “People in Motion” installation.

The Teddy Roosevelt-inspired (get it?) Moose at this station is going to be beloved. Hopefully it stays.

.@SoundTransit’s other public art piece—which they have taken care to meticulously install in EVERY station—is called “Broken Escalator.”

It’s meant to evoke a whimsical sense of frustration at bureaucracy that doesn’t learn lessons about customer experience.

The entry to ROOSEVELT STATION is truly fabulous. Locally connected, inviting, colorful and fun. It is fabulous public architecture that people will enjoy. Well done @SoundTransit.

People who bike (please, soon, be EVERYONE) are going to ❤️ ROOSEVELT STATION. Robust covered bike parking and a secure bike room. This is another win.

@seabikeblog @SNGreenways

.@SoundTransit has really upped their wayfinding game. While the literal green 1️⃣ line that leads to the Transit green 1️⃣ line might be temporary (it’s a laminate), we hope it stays.

NORTHGATE STATION has the feel of the typical elevated @SoundTransit station (reminiscent of SeaTac & Tukwila). Outside, however, ST has finally created a richly integrated multimodal hub with immediately adjacent bus transfers and numerous bike lanes. EXCELLENT WORK.

Ribbon cutting at the John Lewis Memorial Bridge!

Whimsical temporary public art installation at west side of John Lewis Bridge.