Seattle poised to launch light-rail system

By Amanda O'Donnell
CNN

(CNN) - Up to 60,000 people are expected to turn out this weekend as Seattle, Washington, launches its first light-rail transit system, officials said.

"As a region, we've been talking about this since 1968," said Bruce Gray, spokesman for Sound Transit, which has built and will operate the systems. "To finally get it off the ground is a huge weight off everyone's shoulders."

The nearly 14-mile line, which took five-and-a-half years and $2.4 billion to construct, is complete. On Saturday, service will begin between downtown Seattle south to the suburb of Tukwila. Free rides will be offered all weekend before regular paid service begins on Monday, according to the Sound Transit Web site.

"Provisions are in place to manage a significant turnout," the site says. Between 40,000 and 60,000 riders are expected, according to Sound Transit.

Passengers will pay for the distance traveled, with ticket prices starting at $1.75 and 5 cents for each additional mile, up to a $2.50 limit for adult passengers.

Trains carrying up to 200 passengers will run 20 hours a day, seven days a week, about every 10 minutes. The trip from Seattle to Tukwila will take about 30 minutes. By the end of the year, the link will go directly to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport - a move expected to drastically increase ridership.

In November 2008, Seattle residents approved a 36-mile expansion of the light rail, which will add service in the city's north and east regions. Construction on that expansion will be completed in 2023.