Fast Forward Eastside Commissions Hebert Research
To Study Sound Transit East Link
Fast Forward Eastside, a pro-transit forum advocating for responsible transportation policy and traffic congestion relief for the region, has commissioned a study to explore the economic impact to Bellevue citizens and businesses during construction of the the East Link light rail project through downtown Bellevue.
Sound Transit East Link Light Rail Construction
Could Cost Bellevue’s Economy $1.4 Billion
The research, conducted by Hebert Research of Bellevue, Wa, concludes that during an estimated 4 year construction period of the Sound Transit East Link light rail project, there’s a high probability that businesses in Bellevue would experience lost revenues of over $1.4 billion based on a projected decrease in customer visits during construction.
The economic impact of East Link light rail construction could force almost 8% of the businesses in Bellevue’s Central Business District (CBD) to close or relocate over an estimated four-year period of construction, leading to the possible elimination of approximately 7,200 jobs.
These business relocations and closures would also decrease Bellevue’s business and occupation tax and sales tax revenues by over $3 million during this same four-year time period.
To see the Bellevue East Link Construction Economic Impact Research, click here or start exploring via the “Research” tab above.
To download a PDF copy of Bellevue East Link Construction Economic Impact Research key findings, click here.
Study also indicates Bellevue residents may prefer expanded bus service to the construction of Sound Transit East Link
Percentage of Bellevue and Non-Bellevue residents who say they would prefer an
expanded bus system in place of light rail if it was 50% of the cost
of building and operating Sound Transit East Link
Between Sept. 19 and Oct. 12 Hebert Research interviewed 611 individuals – 417 Bellevue residents and 194 non-residents who work in Bellevue. The research found that 50.1% of Bellevue residents responding would prefer an expanded bus system in place of light rail if the bus system could be made available for 50% of the costs of building and operating the East Link light rail route. In comparison, 41.2% of 194 non-residents surveyed indicated the same preference.
To view the Bellevue East Link Usability and Support Research, Click Here.
To download a PDF copy of Bellevue East Link Usability and Support Research key findings, click here.
Download full research documents here
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Jim Hebert appears on Upfront with Robert Mak
Jim Hebert of Hebert Research explains the impact that construction of Sound Transit East Link light rail will have on Bellevue’s economy on KING 5′s Upfront with Robert Mak on October 30, 2011.
Click the image above to watch the interview
Fast Forward – The Future of the Region
Sound Transit East Link Light Rail Route Map
Click to View Bellevue/Sound Transit Proposed Term Sheet
Sound Transit and the City of Bellevue are negotiating a binding memorandum of understanding outlining how Bellevue and Sound Transit would cover an additional $276 million to construct an East link light rail tunnel through downtown Bellevue. That $276 million tunnel is on top of the $2.6 billion projected cost of the East Link project.