Leaving on the light rail to Sodo (gonna be right be his side)

The faithful readers of Denizens of Genesee Park (DDGP) have spoken, and Sound Transit should take notice. Eighty-three percent of those surveyed voted that the public transit authority should reverse its policy and permit dogs to ride its buses, trains and light rail.

Sixteen percent of respondents questioned the existence of urban mass transit in the Jet City.

Presently, Sound Transit bars fare-paying dogs from riding its vehicles. If Barkley wants to ride light rail, he'd better be donning a service animal's vest... or in a crate. Otherwise , it's "no dogs allowed (or birds)."

Consider that a vocal minority of Seattle residents and policymakers want us to ditch our vehicles -- and rely solely on public transit or car-sharing programs. (Ironically, these same politicos who approve plans that reduce parking spaces at affordable-housing projects are the same individuals who drive their SUVs through downtown and the Rainier Valley. Whatta coinky-dink!) These Bizarro World Robert Moseses don't seem to grasp that until public transit accommodates our travel destinations -- beyond downtown, Safeco and Qwest fields, International District and a few restaurants in Columbia City -- that we will continue to drive. Barring one's dogs from riding Sound Transit doesn't make one any less inclined to post the Jetta on Craig's List.

Want Sound Transit to revisit its anti-canine policy? Contact them at:

http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Us/Contact-Us.xml

Of course, there are times when you may not want to ride light rail with your dog. Or alone.