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The Metro Bus Tunnel, also referred to as the ('''Downtown''') '''Seattle Transit Tunnel''' is a 1.3-mile (2.1km) Public Transit Tunnel that runs the length of Downtown Seattle , from 9th Avenue and Pike Street to 5th Avenue S. and S. Jackson Street. Approved by Metro Transit in 1983 , construction began in 1987 . It was completed and service began in 1990 , at a total cost of $444 million. The tunnel was closed on September 24 2005 so that it can be made to handle both buses and Sound Transit 's Central Link Light Rail Train s. Prior to closure, around two dozen bus routes ran through the tunnel. The buses were dual-powered, using Electricity in the tunnel from an above wire connection and Diesel on city streets. It is expected to reopen in September 2007 . Due to the conversion to Light Rail , the Dual-mode Bus es that are powered by the above electric connection can no longer operate in the tunnel. Those buses have already been replaced by Metro 's current new Fleet of Hybrid Bus es that run on both diesel and electricity. These buses pollute significantly less than standard diesel buses and require no connection to Overhead Wires . When buses operated through the tunnel, it was entirely within the Ride Free Zone , so no Fare was required at any Station during hours where the policy was in effect. ROUTE The tunnel runs mostly northwest-southeast under 3rd Avenue, with its northern end running southwest-northeast under Pine Street. It has five stations. From north to south, they are:
: Washington State Convention And Trade Center , Paramount Theatre , Greyhound Lines terminal. Transfer or cross Interstate 5 to Capitol Hill
: Westlake Mall , Seattle Center Monorail , Nordstrom , Macy's
: Benaroya Hall , Seattle Art Museum , Main Post Office , Washington Mutual Tower . Transfer to First Hill
: Pioneer Square , King County Courthouse , King County and City of Seattle government offices, King County Jail
: International District , Safeco Field , Qwest Field , King Street Station , Uwajimaya , Waterfront Streetcar . Transfer to Rainier Valley , Beacon Hill , Industrial District , SoDo EXTERNAL LINKS |
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