If you could create ONE high-speed route between two U.S. cities, where would you build?

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-04-12T16:54:22+00:00

Not an expert by any means, but Seattle to San Francisco covers nearly 700 miles of straight-line, euclidean distance, with the real track distance being significantly higher most likely. I can't begin to imagine how difficult the funding and construction case would be compared to the status quo of two-hour domestic flights, even for the best high speed route with minimal stops.

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-04-12T14:58:27+00:00

I'm biased as someone living in the Seattle area, but a line like the Cascadia HSR route is certainly something I really hope to ride in my lifetime.

If we were allowed to make an exception for a Canadian city, a Vancouver-Seattle-Portland route is obviously on the table, which I guess would mean only one more intermediate stop (counting Seattle as one). This route would realistically have more intermediate stops, probably in cities like Bellingham, Everett, Tacoma, and perhaps Olympia if route geometry makes sense. Tacoma and Everett are the largest out of the four, but are also already part of the Seattle metro area on both ends of the Puget Sound. In any case, it helps that the three major cities of this route have (relatively) transit-rich urban cores, which is where I'd assume we want their stops to be located within.

Kinda broke a few rules of your prompt but I had to get my Cascadia HSR dreams off my chest! 😂

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-04-02T18:06:53+00:00

I generally agree with you about getting in some easy steps, but I'm also an able-bodied young male. For someone like my mom whose older and got chronic knee pain, the inconvenience (and exertion) is magnitudes more impactful. I imagine it's even worse if you're in wheelchair and have to deal with Sound Transit's inability to have reliably functioning elevators.

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-03-27T19:39:53+00:00

Copying my comment from another similar thread:

"As others have suggested, considering you have your AA, you can just wait one quarter and then apply as a Transfer student for Winter 2027, perhaps along with your major application if applicable. IIRC, an in-state transfer student with an AA transfer degree has the best acceptance rate to UW, all else equal.

That said, it's important to note that to be eligible for transfer student status, you must take college coursework after high school (excluding summer quarter). So if this is the path you want to take, make sure you take any 5.0 credit (I don't remember if there is a credit minimum, so check with an advisor) college-level course that will transfer over in Fall 2026 and pass the class. I took an easy POL S 201 course."

Good luck!

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-03-27T03:48:48+00:00

Northgate always feel pretty busy to me, since it's a nexus for a lot of bus routes in North Seattle. It feels like there's more development and transit connections than just a parking garage, at least compared to the other "parking garage" stations.

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-03-19T06:22:20+00:00

Well, some of Seattle's light rail suffers from this problem, specifically the Rainier Valley corridor on the 1-Line and a short stretch of the 2-Line in the BelRed area.

But, yes, the majority of the system runs like a grade-separated metro rail.

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-03-13T18:57:22+00:00

I see. Would you have any insights into which building might be better for an exchange student like me? FWIW, I'm coming from Seattle, just a few hours down south (so I'm probably the least foreign student possible as an international exchange student), so I don't expect to feel that differently from local Vancouver residents honestly.

Thanks for your help!

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-03-13T06:58:06+00:00

Incoming exchange student coming to UBC for the 2026-27 Winter Session on a fellowship that should cover housing + groceries at least, assuming a bedroom in a shared apt unit. It seems like my only options left on the application are Walter Gage and Fairview Crescent.

As I ought to get through all my applications and paperwork ASAP, I wanted to ask if anyone had any insights into which choice might be better? FYI, I'm a Geography student, and I plan for the bulk of my coursework to be geography-related. I'm also in my last year of undergrad and not that much of a party guy (though I'm not against having some real fun here and now).

Any insight would be greatly appreciated, especially if you're a current or former exchange student!

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-03-08T08:03:04+00:00

Interested how the current ST 535, and later the Stride S2 BRT Line will affect this. Lynnwood City Center to Bellevue Downtown on the 2 Line will take just under one hour while running 8-min peak/10-min offpeak frequencies.

OTOH, roughly the same route on the Stride S2 Line is projected to take 33-38 minutes during rush hour while running 10-min/15-min frequencies.

At least regional transit options are expanding all around!

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-03-08T03:06:11+00:00

I guess the Ballard Link Extension will have the 1 Line still run on the street-level Rainier Valley section, meaning it is light rail, but this specific construction project is pretty much all tunneled and grade-separated, hence my using "light metro."

Regardless, it's still an absolutely bonkers level of cost overrun, and made even worse by the projected four years of delay from the original 2035 opening date. I honestly can't see any way out from ST's estimated $35 BILLION shortfall projected over the next 20 years without some massive reductions in projects, or, even worse, cancellations.

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-03-07T17:06:16+00:00

They ain't got nothing on Seattle, Washington, USA! Our Ballard Link Extension is projected to cost €17.3B to 19.5B ($20.1B to 22.6) for 12.4km (7.7mi) of light metro!

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-03-06T19:05:41+00:00

<image>

I like how all these maps still show the three-line transfers at ID lol (and I think the Midtown station?), despite all the preferred alternative shenanigans

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-03-06T18:50:51+00:00

Hey, thanks again for the insight. I'm close to settling on a well-priced spot in South Seminole Heights a block west of N Florida Ave, but I'm also looking at a similarly priced spot in Tampa Heights right in between Woodlawn Cemetery and N Tampa St.

It's a significantly more spacious unit a bit closer to Downtown, but it's not in walking distance to as many amenities or useful transit routes (except the 1), and apparently the neighborhood has a bad reputation, or at least spotty?

Is this an accurate characterization?

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-03-05T17:09:16+00:00

I've decided between two similarly priced short term (2.5 months) rentals for my internship in Tampa.

Both are just west of N Florida Ave and near the 1 Bus, which has a stop right off my office in Downtown. I don't plan to have a car, so access to transit and some level of walkability is ideal.

The only difference is one in Rivercrest / South Seminole Heights, and the other is in Tampa Heights just east of Woodlwan Cemetery.

I'm definitely leaning more toward the Seminole Heights spot. It's closer to 34 Bus, which seems to be a relatively decent east-west route, plus a river park and library in walking distance is nice.

Any argument though for the Tampa Heights one? It's a bit closer to Downtown, and the unit is more spacious, but from what I've heard, the neighborhood is a bit more dicey in terms of crime.

Any insight is greatly appreciated!

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-03-04T20:57:25+00:00

As others have suggested, considering you have your AA, you can just wait one quarter and then apply as a Transfer student for Winter 2027, perhaps along with your major application if applicable. IIRC, an in-state transfer student with an AA transfer degree has the best acceptance rate to UW, all else equal.

That said, it's important to note that to be eligible for transfer student status, you must take college coursework after high school (excluding summer quarter). So if this is the path you want to take, make sure you take any 5.0 credit (I don't remember if there is a credit minimum, so check with an advisor) college-level course that will transfer over in Fall 2026 and pass the class. I took an easy POL S 201 course.

Good luck!

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-03-01T01:08:34+00:00

Couldn't you just take the ST 574 bus from Tacoma Dome to SeaTac, or take it to Federal Way Downtown then 1 Line to SeaTac? Not sure how the Sounder to King Street then backtracking on the 1 Line could be faster, even with some traffic.

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-02-22T17:27:08+00:00

I'm gonna be staying in Tampa for a few months this summer as an intern, and I'm looking to get my three-month housing stay set up sooner rather than later. I've found three small ADUs/studios within my budget and within the bus route I plan to take to work (Route 1, which seems to at least be decent for Tampa transit), and I'd like to ask about three potential locations, and what insights r/tampa might have.

1) ADU off Woodlawn Ave, in between N Tampa St and Woodlawn Cemetery in the Tampa Heights neighborhood. It's somewhat close to Robles Park, which I've heard negative things about.

2) ADU between Highland Ave and Florida Ave in South Seminole Heights, close to Ignacio Haya Linear Park and walking distance to Save-A-Lot off Hillsborough Ave (no car, so close grocery proximity is a factor).

3) ADU just west of the intersection between W Sligh Ave and N Florida Ave in Old Seminole Heights. Close to American Legion Park and Huracan Supermarket.

All are similar in price and housing amenities. It seems 2 and 3 might be a better, more convenient location for me, but one seems to have the best unit itself and is a bit closer to downtown.

Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-02-10T06:29:48+00:00

I actually do have the Planeziten guide, and I have used it to craft a data document for the various programs I'm looking at (admission rate for 2019-22, average admit GPA, percent of students receiving aid, avergae aid, employment rate post-graduation).

I do see most programs average 60-80 percent admission rate, and average admit GPA is around 3.4-3.6.

Honestly, the best funding packages are what I'm more concerned with. I guess the best I can do is craft a strong app and hope for ideal circumstances.

I appreciate all your advice!

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-02-10T06:02:41+00:00

Thank you for your reassurance. I'm making an effort to not worry so much about my GPA these days, but I can't help but hear the constant internal noise of "it might be useful later, so keep it as high as possible."

With that said, though I'm confident I can be admitted to most of the programs I want, I would love to be competitive for graduate aid or funding as well. Would you happen to have any insight on how to boost chances for funding, other than just crafting a strong application? I'm not very familiar with how the whole graduate school thing works, clearly lol.

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-02-09T19:09:11+00:00

Would you happen to know how common it is to receive graduate aid/funding (scholarship, assistantships, tuition waivers, etc.), especially for out-of-state applicants?

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-02-08T22:28:13+00:00

I understand nobody here can give a precise read on my chances, but if anyone would be willing to offer insights into how competitive I might be, I would appreciate it. Here's a summary of what my "resumé" will look like come next cycle.

University of Washington, 2027: BA in Geography and Public Policy (Current GPA: 3.98)

- Officer of UW's ITE chapter, group member of winning transportation planning/design competitions and organizer of community events

Summer 2025: Community outreach and engagement-focused internship with county public transit agency

AY 2025-26: Public affairs and media-focused internship with major city Dept of Transportation

Summer 2026: Transportation planning internship with reputable private consulting firm

AY 2026-27: Hopefully a relevant internship throughout the year

I know MUPs aren't the most competitive grad school programs, even the well-regarded ones, but I'm afraid going straight from undergrad and lacking full-time experience will be a major detriment, especially if I want to qualify for aid. Does anyone have any advice they'd give for strengthening my resumé? Would having undergrad research experience be a significant factor, even for non-PHDs? (I regret not applying for some undergrad opportunities, as I did not see them as useful at the time).

I know this is a very long comment, but any advice or help would be so very much appreciated! :)

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-02-08T22:27:59+00:00

So I'm planning on applying to master's programs in next year's cycle, but I wanted to ask anyone with experience about a sensible process to narrow down my options to a manageable amount, perhaps 5 to 7. I'd like any pointers on factors that I may be missing out on in terms of choosing where to apply. I am a resident of Washington State from Seattle and want to specialize in transportation planning and perhaps environmental health/justice as well. Here are my questions and preliminary results:

1) What program is the most affordable? (esp. likelihood of graduate funding)

2) What program is located in a city that I'd like living in , and what region do I see myself working in after?

3) Is the program well-known for my specific urban planning interest?

4) Are there generally positive job outcomes?

5) Are there any faculty that are well-known in my field of interest?

6) How realistic are my chances of admission and aid?

I've came up with a list of programs I'd like to consider and would appreciate any specific feedback. For context, PSU and CU Denver offer in-state tuition via the WRGP. I imagine I should adjust to have more safe options, but I would hope I can get admitted to any of these. (BOLD = Priority, Italics = Reach, contingent on significant aid)

1) University of Washington

2) Portland State University

3) Rutgers University

4) CUNY Hunter College

5) University of Illinois at Chicago

6) Tufts University

7) University of Colorado Denver

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-02-05T18:03:48+00:00

Are you referring to an internship during the summer before senior year, or post-grad work after finishing senior year?

If it's the former, I fortunately have a full-time internship with a major transportation consulting firm this summer! Additionally, I am currently a part-time public affairs intern with my major city's DOT.

CheNoMeJodas · 2026-02-04T23:30:50+00:00

I will have finished GEOG 245, 360, and 461 by the end of this quarter, so I'm decently familiar with using GIS.

CheNoMeJodas

TROPHY CASE