The state government is always making improvements to the Seattle travel and tourism industry. The city of Seattle already has a very robust public transport system that is highly organized and efficient. It is because of such a great public transport system that the city is so very easy to access and to explore. This is one of the major pull factors when it comes to the local tourism industry.

The city has recently gotten a new form of public transport system installed. This new system will add greatly to the existing public transport infrastructure and will take some load of the existing system.

This new system is a network of light rail that will connect various places within Seattle. This new system has been a long time coming to the city and it finally arrived in mid July in 2009. It is a great thing to have happened to the city and it will particularly helpful for tourists.

1. What is a Light Rail?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_rail

http://www.yelp.com/topic/seattle-seattle-light-rail-to-the-airport

A light rail system is a type of railway system that has a lower speed and a lower passenger carrying capacity than the usual heavy rail and metro. However, it is faster than the trams and can carry more passengers. This is why it has been implemented in various urban areas around the world. It is a great alternative to the buses and trams and is often installed in to cities to supplement the existing system.

2. Information about the Seattle Light Rail System

http://www.seattle.gov/Transportation/lightrail.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Link_Light_Rail

http://www.lightrailnow.org/news/n_sea_2006-01a.htm

It has been installed in the greater Seattle area and was originally sanctioned in the year 1996. There are currently two lines that are operational - the Tacoma link and the Central link. The University link extension is underway and is scheduled to complete in 2016.

http://www.soundtransit.org/

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009496897_weblightrailwrapup19m.html

Light Rail is one of Seattle's prides. This transportation system transports thousands of passengers every day. With many stations distributed around Seattle, this light rail system has served a number of satisfied passengers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_Light_Rail

- Sound Transit Link Light Rail

This transit system was made to bring convenience for Seattle's locals and visitors. This is Central Link light rail system links the city to Tacoma International Airport, University of Washington, Mercer Island and many other target locations. These airport, university, north, and east links are scheduled to be fully functional in 2010.

http://www.soundtransit.org/x1171.xml

- First train hours of service

Last July 20, 2009 the first train launched its initial trips heading Northbound from Tukwila Int'l Blvd to Westlake. Departure time from Monday to Friday is 5:18 am, 5:20 am on Saturday's and 6:19 am on Sundays. Last trains for the day going to the same location are scheduled to depart at 12:09 am from Monday to Friday, 12:06 pm on Saturdays, and 11:07 pm on Sundays.

- Train Frequency

Each trip is scheduled to depart every ten to fifteen minutes during Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. On weekdays, each train is also scheduled to depart every seven to fifteen minutes.

http://www.soundtransit.org/Riding-Sound-Transit/Schedules-and-Facilities/Central-Link-Light-Rail.xml

You can find out more about Seattle's light rail schedule by entering its website or calling any Seattle travel agency.

http://www.soundtransit.org/x115.xml