Waterfront Streetcar Line

Route 99 is a free bus route that connects the downtown Seattle waterfront with the International District, Pioneer Square, the downtown retail area, Pike Place Market and Belltown.

It was formerly called the Route 99 Waterfront Streetcar Line, and used buses that were "wrapped" to resemble the George Benson Waterfront Streetcars that previously operated along the waterfront.

Changes were made to Route 99 in February 2011 as part of the effort to keep people moving during the six-to-eight-year construction period for the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Project.

Northbound service on Route 99 shifted from Alaskan Way to First Avenue. Southbound service continues to operate on Alaskan Way from Broad Street to Yesler Way.

The new routing provides improved connections between the waterfront and First Avenue, and offers a handy circulation option for people traveling north on First Avenue.

Metro's green and yellow waterfront streetcars used to run on a track along Alaskan Way and part of S. Main Street. The streetcars were powered by electricity. They were built in Australia for the Melborne and Metropolitan Tramways Board between 1925 and 1930. The cars are double end, double truck, and designed for two-person operation.

• Manufacturer: Melborne shops or James Moore
• Fleet Numbers: 272, 482, 512, 518, 605
• Seats: 43 passengers
• Length: 48 feet

Two of the 1928 Australian streetcars began service along Elliott Bay between Pier 70 and Main Street in 1982. Three more streetcars joined the fleet between 1990 and 1993 when Metro extended the line to the International District. The streetcars featured Tasmanian mahogany and white ash woodwork, capturing the elegance of travel in a bygone era.

The waterfront streetcar line is named after George Benson, former City of Seattle and Metro Council member. Known as the "father of the Waterfront Streetcar," Benson was the driving force behind development of the historic streetcar line.

In commemoration of Benson's leadership and vision, the streetcar line was officially named the George Benson Waterfront Streetcar Line on June 1, 2002.