The Washington State Legislature passed a law in 1991 aimed at encouraging employer-based programs that promote alternatives to driving alone, with the hopes that this step would relieve roadways and clear the air. Our new report on smarter mobility demonstrates how existing and emerging technologies can squeeze more capacity from over-burdened highways, help commuters avoid traffic delays and expand and improve transportation options, all while saving money and creating jobs. (From our series of 14 case studies.)

Seattle opened a new light rail system this weekend, and it was a smashing success by all accounts. Ridership from the inaugural weekend was over 90,000, and the system is settling into normal revenue service today. Read all about it from fellow Streetsblog Network member Seattle Transit Blog, and check out a huge batch of photos from opening weekend in their Flickr group pool.

American Public Transportation Association study says that Seattle drivers would save $8,413 a year by trading in their cars for transit passes. (Seattle Post Intelligencer — Gregory Roberts and Evi Sztajno)

While some have found plenty of reasons to oppose Seattle’s plan to expand its light rail system and improve bus service, the city’s mayor, Greg Nickels, isn’t buying what the naysayers are selling. (Seattle Times)

Two Seattle activists argue that by encouraging the creation of walkable neighborhoods and urban villages, the region will accommodate growth in the right way — as long as transit is included in the equation. (Seattle Times — Dan Cantrell and Jessyn Farrell)

Will gas prices drive homebuyers away from suburbs? Seattle Times Elizabeth Rhodes As gas prices climb, homebuyers increasingly will choose to live closer to work, and that eventually will depress suburban home prices while strengthening in-city values, a Portland economist predicts.