The Mirror recommends voting yes for Proposition 1, the scaled-back transportation plan that would bring light rail to Federal Way.

Prop. 1 is a $17.9 billion version of the larger Roads and Transit plan that voters rejected last year. If approved, Prop. 1 will focus on public transit, including expansion of bus service and commuter rail. Although light rail from Sea-Tac airport wouldn’t reach Federal Way for about 15 years, the city and region need this investment. With the region’s growing population, freeway congestion and high gas prices will only raise demand for more commuter options.

Prop. 1 has floated under the radar this year. Voters have good reason to be apprehensive about approving a project that will raise taxes now, but pay off later.

A 0.5 percent sales tax increase, equivalent to about $69 per year per adult, will fund the measure and is a worthwhile investment for upcoming generations. Moreover, Federal Way pushed hard for this light rail extension in promoting connectivity among the region’s cities.

Unfortunately, Prop. 1 does not address road improvements, specifically Federal Way’s “triangle,” where Interstate 5, State Route 18 and State Route 161 converge. Prop. 1 will not solve all traffic problems, but it will establish reliable alternatives to the automobile.

Prop. 1 targets the future, and mass transit is part of the future. Hold your nose and vote yes.