Re: “Feds OK Amtrak rerouting; courts may be next” (TNT, 3-5).

Amtrak claims the change in rail configuration with the Point Defiance Bypass project would save 10 minutes. Maybe. But how is this “saving” accomplished?

The time is primarily gained by eliminating the line running adjacent to Puget Sound between Point Defiance and Nisqually. This includes spectacular views of the Narrows, the Olympics, University Place, Steilacoom and the Chambers Bay Golf Course.

How many train riders really care about a potential 10-minute saving? How many would rather enjoy the view and may factor that in when taking the train? …

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Over the past year, the state Department of Transportation has publicly embarrassed itself twice.

First, there is the Point Defiance rail bypass project, now undergoing further study, and recently the Sprague Avenue interchange off state Route 16. In neither instance has the agency’s management been able to admit error nor grasp the concept that the citizens would like an open, transparent and accountable government.

The bypass project failed to adequately address traffic, safety and noise concerns and didn’t credibly explain why the existing route was inadequate. The Sprague offramp had a major design error from lack of internal communication, which …

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