Gondola System Proposed as Light Rail Alternative in West Seattle Deemed ‘Not Feasible’
Sound Transit said a proposed gondola system from West Seattle to SoDo “would not be feasible” Thursday after it was proposed as an alternative to the light rail expansion.
A local group, West Seattle SkyLink, proposed the gondola system as an alternative for light rail expansion, citing lesser costs and a quicker timeline for completion.
The group said the SkyLink system could be up and running from West Seattle to SoDo by 2026, while the current delays on the light rail project estimate a completion date around 2032. The expansion delays have also increased costs for the project by 73%. According to SkyLink’s website, gondola manufacturers and consultants believe their proposed plan could cost $2 billion less.
In the report, Sound Transit said an aerial gondola system had significant technical limitations including compatibility with the existing light rail system, a lack of expandability and funding.