On Pronto’s death date, a look at other Seattle flops

Seattle’s attempt at a bike-share program ends Friday.

Pronto! shuts down after city leaders opted to spend the money that was slated to expand the program elsewhere, ending any attempt at saving the green bikes from an uncertain future.

While we reflect on a program that was once called a “very financially viable system,” but turned into a political fiasco, let’s take the time to look back at a few other failed attempts at public projects.

Super toilets

Remember those high-tech public toilets stationed in Pioneer Square and other neighborhoods in the early 2000s?

They were supposed to be safe, clean places for anyone to relieve themselves. Instead, they turned into giant silver health violations.

The city spent about $5 million on the toilets. Coincidentally, that’s the same amount the city would have used to expand Pronto!

The toilets were purchased by the owner of South Sound Speedway, who, last year, told KIRO Radio that three still sat unused.

Kingdome

There were a lot of great memories made at the Kingdome, but one aspect of the former sports venue make it ripe for criticism.

It took about 24 years to completely pay off the Dome and the repairs associated with it. It wasn’t until March 2015 — 15 years after the Kingdome was imploded — that the city finally paid off municipal bonds that were issued to repair the stadium’s roof back in the 90s.

Ramps to nowhere

Sure it was connected to a state-operated roadway, but Seattle’s infamous “ramps to nowhere” are an example of failed infrastructure in the city. Plus, it was the Seattle City Council that scrapped the expressway back in 1971.

The decision left the ramps unconnected to any roadway.

Demolition of the ramps finally began in 2014. However, a small piece of them still remain in the Washington Park Arboretum.

Of course, risk-takers may still mourn the loss.

What would make your list of Seattle fails?

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