Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Sorriest bus stops 2017

America’s Sorriest Bus Stop: San Diego vs. Seattle

5:13 PM EDT on September 7, 2017

We're moving on to the round of eight in our Sorriest Bus Stop in America bracket.

The cities in our Shameful Eight are TampaPittsburghChapel HillSeattleSan DiegoEnglewood (NJ), and Munhall, Pennsylvania. And there's still one more day to vote either St. Louis or Omaha into the final slot.

Today, two West Coast contenders pair up in the first match of the second round.

San Diego

San Deigo bus stop 2

After this stop, in San Diego's Mission Valley, faced off against Commerce, California, in the first round, the local ABC affiliate went out to investigate. San Diego's Metropolitan Transit System said it discontinued the route in April. But one woman told reporters she still uses the stop to board the bus. Only this week did the transit agency go out and remove the sign:

It's not clear exactly how service was adjusted (did the whole route change or just this stop?), but merely eliminating a stop doesn't really address the underlying issue of dangerous, unwalkable streets and uncomfortable waiting conditions -- which isn't the fault of the transit agency so much as the local transportation department.

I spoke to San Diego reporter Michael Turko about this stop, and he said there's not another good option nearby. People like the Korean immigrant interviewed by Channel 10 will now have to walk more than a mile to catch the bus, according to Turko.

Responsible agencies: San Diego MTS, San Diego Streets Division.

Seattle 

Seattle bus stop

This tiny sliver of dirt between a Seattle highway and an active railroad track beat a bus stop Fremont, California, in the first round -- by a lot. One reader informed us that at least the trains pass by slowly at this particular location, an industrial area south of the city.

Seattle overhead

This overhead view shows South Seattle College on one side of the street and the industrial zone on the other.

Responsible agencies: King County Metro, Washington DOT

Vote to decide which is worthy of the Final Four.

bus_stop_2017

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

To Help Save the Planet, Take the ‘Week Without Driving’ Challenge

Former Sierra Club President Ramón Cruz is urging Americans to give up driving for seven days — and support policies to make it optional for everyone.

September 29, 2023

Labor Gains: NYC Judge Tosses App Giants’ Suit to Stop Deliverista Minimum Wage

Justice Nicholas Moyne cleared the way for a long-delayed wage hike for workers who brave dangerous roads to bring food directly to New Yorkers.

September 29, 2023

Friday’s Headlines Are Charged Up

Expect a lot fewer ordinary gas stations and a few more Buc-ee's in your area as the electric vehicle transition continues.

September 29, 2023

Commentary: Let’s Talk About the Real “Fatal Flaw” on Valencia

How many people have to die before professional advocates stop endorsing the Valencia Street "experiment" on people?

September 28, 2023

Talking Headways Podcast: Beyond Greenways

This week we’re joined by Bob Searns to talk about his new book and grand ideas for walking trails that circle whole regions and more local routes that make up a new mode of green infrastructure in cities.

September 28, 2023
See all posts