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Free Traveling Guides » States » Washington » Seattle
Seattle Monorail
The Seattle Center Monorail is the only fully self-sufficient public transit system in the USA. This elevated monorail line in Seattle, Washington, runs with a speed of 50 mph (80km/h) and covers one mile (1.6 km) along Fifth Avenue from the Westlake Center in Downtown to the Seattle Center in Lower Queen Anne.
The Seattle Monorail is the fastest full-sized monorail in the country. The monorail trains and their tracks were designated as historical landmarks on April 16, 2003. It was originally built for the Century 21 Exposition, a World's Fair held in Seattle. It started on March 24, 1962. At present, its annual ridership is approximately 2.5 million. The Experience Music Project is located at the north end of the track and also, the famous Space Needle is visible in the distance.
The Seattle Center Monorail operates on a daily basis. It departs from the station at Seattle Center every 10 minutes. One mile route is covered in just 2 minutes and as many as 450 passengers can board the train in a single trip. Two-train service is provided during special events and activities in the city.
Round-trip fares are $4.00 and $1.50 for adults and youth ages 5-12 respectively. The fare is just $2 for senior 65+, disabled, and persons with Medicare cards. Ride is free for children 4 and under. One-way fares are just half of the round-trip fares.
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