Seattle’s Latest Green Machine

In the continuation of stories concerning interesting acronyms, Seattle’s newest addition to their transit system, Seattle’s South Lake Union Trolley, or the S.L.U.T. for short, began service last week. City-planners are betting the eco-friendly streetcars will put a damper on the city’s ill-befitting case of gridlock.

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels told the Seattle PI, “I don’t care what you call it as long as you ride it.” And likely they will. The city is expecting 330,000 passengers in the first year with projections growing to over one million annually. This month rides are free and then $1.50 – pretty good deal considering that a trolley, by any name, beats cars and buses in both people moving and fuel efficiency.

Seattle Streetcar: South Lake Union Line

[via inhabitat]