Why Build This Site?

The idea for Seattle By Rail came from thinking about my neighborhood.  I live in Mt. Baker, walking distance from the light rail stop.  I've been so excited about the access to the rail, consantly thinking about what it will mean to Seattle and my 'hood. 

One day I was looking at the map and realized that Mt. Baker could be a stop that tourists from downtown could use to walk to Lake Washington. There will be no easier way for tourists to get out of the downtown area and to the lake, where there are lots of recreation options.

Then it occured to me. The businesses in my neighborhood have a stake in this happening. If locals and/or tourists end up walking to the lake, they should have a resource for knowing where to get off and what to do. Soon after it became obvious that this is the case with nearly every stop.  If people had a way to know what to do, they would be more likely to got off and grab a beer, take a walk, eat some food.

So Seattle By Rail was born as a way to give people an easy way to learn about the stops along the Light Rail, but also a way for local businesses to advertise and create awareness about what they offer to riders.  I'm a believer that the Rail can be an engine of economic development for South Seattle.  I expect economies to grow around many of the stops, especially between Othello and Beacon Hill. 

We're just getting started, but the success of this site will depend on people who live in areas that will be touched by the Light Rail that are ready to contribute blog posts, reviews and other content to make the site a useful place. I hope you'll consider being a part of the action.