> many waiting areas have no cover -- so you'll stand in the rain waiting for a late bus.

This is something I don't get about the Seattle area. It's like people here are in complete denial about the fact that it rains for 9 months a year. It's not just bus stops - my daughter says recess at school sucks most of the year because the playground and other play areas are all uncovered. So all the kids have to stay stuck in a very limited covered area where there's nothing for them to do. Same thing with parks - no covered playgrounds or places where people can sit and relax without getting wet.