Someone forwarded this e-mail from Washington Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond to Sound Transit officials. It makes for interesting reading.

From: Hammond, Paula [mailto:HammonP@wsdot.wa.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 2:22 PM
To: Earl, Joni; Ilgenfritz, Ric
Subject: WSDOT ST2 Response
Joni and Ric,
First, thank you for the thorough briefing this morning (and afternoon). I can tell that Brian and Ric and the rest of your staff have carefully worked this plan to achieve the long term goals of high capacity transit for the various subareas of the region.

I continue to have concerns on the level (or lack thereof) of immediate bus service relief for the region's commuters, who are suffering at the
gas pump and in their family budgets. I don't believe it's enough to ask people to tax themselves now for a long term transit benefit, without offering more of an immediate transit relief to get them through these tough times.

To that end, and in keeping in mind your ability/capacity to support extraordinary levels of bus service I have attached a proposal that I'd like you to consider. The four year "surge" of service provides bus rides now to meet the ever-increasing demand in key corridors of the region. As local transit providers ramp up their services through their various transit plans (over the next 4 years), ST could hand over the service routes in 2015 and beyond.

I also would like to get resolution on your letter on the 1-90 light rail cost commitment by the end of the day. I'm preparing an ammendment to propose to the board if we are unable to reach an by the end of the day. Let me know what your thoughts are. I'm going into another meeting now, but Jo can find me if you need to talk.
Thanks again,
Paula