Metro goes retro with streetcar stations
Metro’s George Benson Waterfront Streetcar Line is a favorite with Seattle tourists and natives alike. The old-fashioned streetcars are the backdrop for thousands of photographs – even starring in Hollywood movies. And, starting this fall, the seven streetcar stations along Alaskan Way will get a makeover worthy of a true celebrity.
Metro plans to refurbish all seven waterfront streetcar stations along Alaskan Way to replace leaking roofs and upgrade the appearance of the shelters that are located in some of the most-visited areas of the city – such as the Pike Place Market, the ferry docks, and the entrance to Pioneer Square.
Station colors will change from brown to marine blue, complimented with Metro's newest window treatment featuring etched waves. Improvements will also include black benches, litter receptacles, railings, and replacement of the internal shelter lighting. Station-identification signage, as well as the free-standing and viaduct-hung signs, will be replaced to match the new color scheme.
Metro staff from Power & Facilities, Design & Construction, Information Production, and Transit Route Facilities have worked collaboratively with George Benson, the "father" of the waterfront streetcar line, and the waterfront community group to create this new and improved enhancement for Seattle's harborside streetscape.
The current schedule for shelter replacement should begin in October and be completed by the end of the year. During the replacements, each station may be closed for a short time, but Metro will make every effort to alert passengers in advance. The project will begin with the Broad Street Station and finish at Washington Street Station. The Occidental Station in Pioneer Square is not scheduled for refurbishing until 2004.
The Waterfront Streetcar was officially renamed "George Benson Waterfront Streetcar Line" by King County Executive Ron Sims on June 1, 2002 in honor of the former city councilman who worked to bring the historic streetcars to Seattle. The streetcars originally operated in Melbourne, Australia in the 1920s. They were brought to Seattle in the 1980s, and have been operating as part of Metro’s fleet for 21 years.
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