Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ted at regular long-distance rates, which could become a costly option if the line you're
dialing tends to park customers on hold.
Time
Seattle is in the Pacific Standard Time time zone:
»
two hours ahead of Hawaii (Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time)
»
one hour ahead of Alaska (Alaska Standard Time)
»
one hour behind Colorado (Mountain Standard Time)
»
two hours behind Alabama (Central Standard Time)
»
three hours behind New York (Atlantic Standard Time)
In spring and summer, as in most of the time zones in the US, Pacific Standard Time be-
comes Pacific Daylight Time. Clocks are reset an hour forward in early spring, and reset
an hour back in early fall.
Tourist Information
The main visitor center,
Seattle Visitor Center & Concierge Services
(
206-461-5840;
www.visitseattle.org
; Washington State Convention Center, E Pike St &
7th Ave; 9am-5pm) is inside the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. It
also operates the useful Citywide Concierge service.
Travelers with Disabilities
All public buildings (including hotels, restaurants, theaters and museums) are required
by law to provide wheelchair access and to have appropriate restroom facilities avail-
able. Telephone companies provide relay operators for the hearing impaired. Many
banks provide ATM instructions in Braille. Dropped curbs are standard at intersections
throughout the city.
Around 80% of Metro's buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts. Timetables marked
with an 'L' indicate wheelchair accessibility. Be sure to let the driver know if you need
your stop to be called and, if possible, pull the cord when you hear the call. Seeing-eye
dogs are allowed on Metro buses. Passengers with disabilities qualify for a reduced fare
but first need to contact
Metro Transit
(
www.metro.kingcounty.gov
)
for a permit.
Most large private and chain hotels have suites for guests with disabilities. Many car-
rental agencies offer hand-controlled models at no extra charge. Make sure you give at
