Our sister site, MagnoliaVoice, has been covering the issues surrounding the new bus and transit lanes (BAT) along 15th Ave W. Outside of the posted hours, these lanes are like any other, but from 7 to 9 a.m. – during the morning rush hour – they are reserved for buses only. A ticket for violating the BAT lane restriction is $124.

Now the Magnolia Community Club (MCC) is asking the city to allow carpools and taxis to use the BAT lanes along 15th Ave West, saying in a letter to the Department of Transportation that the BAT lanes do not accomplish their primary purpose, as the implementation of Rapid Ride bus service is now uncertain due to budget shortfalls. They believe the increased cruise ship traffic at Pier 91 is just another reason for a conversion from BAT lanes to HOV lanes, while also alleviating daily congestion for Queen Anne, Magnolia and Ballard rush-hour commuters.

The MCC also wants to arrange a meeting of representatives from SDOT, the Queen Anne Community Council, Ballard Community Council, the Port of Seattle and th Seattle Police Department to discuss this issue. Read the full story at MagnoliaVoice.