Public Tranist in WA (Seattle, Tacoma: rent, travel, work)

[christus_rex]

Hey all, is public transit really prominent in WA? I am trying to find some info about Auburn as ASAP, but since no one has answered that post, maybe someone out there can tell me the probablility of finding public transit in Auburn... I am in Montana, public transit is pretty much non-existant here. Thanks!

[Quantum]

I believe that's Pierce County. The transit system is run by the county, and if it's anything like King County, pretty sad. I'd tell you more about the buses in King, but it'd just be depressing. Dallas' system was outstanding, but way too many rednecks there.

Maybe if you live on a line you'd be OK, but possibly not comfortable. Mass transit and traffic is one area I was shocked about when I moved to Seattle.

[Ryan]

Take this for what it's worth (I only ride when I go tourist in the city on off weekends) but I don't think it's that bad, definitely better than most of the large city mass transit I've experienced in CA, which is supposed to be great. They've also installed WiFi with free access on most of the buses lately. I've never even heard of that anywhere else.

[christus_rex]

Thanks so much for the info. Is public transit safe for a teenage girl to travel alone? I mean, I have never been on any public transit in my life, and will be 17 when I graduate and more out there for college. I would rather pay for my own car if its safest.

[Quantum]

Recently a survey was done in downtown Seattle, and most people said they feel safe, so I presume the buses would be similar. And today I noticed that the buses seem to be getting upgraded.

I think you'd benefit from a blog in the local paper:
Bus Chick

She usually doesn't respond to comments, at least in my experience, but maybe it'll be different for you.

[Mark S.]

Public transit through the Seattle / Tacoma area is a sad, pathetic joke. I could take a bus to where I work --- if I wanted to spend 115 minutes and change buses three times to make it 15 miles.

In Auburn, you have the commuter train the Sounder which runs up to Seattle and back. I've never ridden it myself, but I've never heard of anyone being attacked on it. Even the buses, which are inefficient and poorly managed, seem fairly safe.

Portland, Oregon, however, has a fantastic public transit system. If you have the choice between moving to Portland or Seattle, move to Portland. All in all, it's a much nicer city.