Transportation

WSDOT Eyes Major Transformation for SR 99 in Snohomish County

While the upgrades wouldn't happen all at once, and would only go in as other maintenance work occurs, the proposed concept sets a strong baseline for one of the state's most dangerous surface highways.

Katie Wilson Takes Office as Seattle’s Unabashed Urbanist Mayor

In remarks after being sworn in as Seattle's 58th mayor, Katie Wilson painted a vision of improving the daily lives of residents that was explicitly urbanist: focused around livability and ensuring that no one gets pushed out of the city.

Tacoma Turns to Builder Impact Fees to Bolster Transportation Funding

Tacoma's new impact fee regime, which goes into effect next summer, will charge developers based on expected generation of car trips. Despite work to delicately calibrate the new fees, the proposal still drew criticism when it comes to adding costs to needed housing development.
Illuminated Space Needle in front of a city of lit windows with a darkening sky.

Puget Sound Agencies Offer Fare-Free Transit on New Year’s Eve

Ring in the new year with free transit on King County Metro, Sound Transit, Seattle Streetcar, Pierce Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, and Intercity Transit.

Washington’s First Try at E-bike Rebates Leaves Thousands of Vouchers Unredeemed

84% of Washingtonians offered a $1,200 instant rebate on a new e-bike this spring followed through and made a purchase, compared to just 24% of those who were offered a $300 rebate. The lessons learned during the first rollout of the program are likely to shape the next round of incentives.
Tens of thousands of soccer fans attend a Sounders FC match at Lumen Field. (Stephen Fesler)

New Three-Day Regional Transit Pass Coming to ORCA in June

In time for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup matches in Seattle, transit riders will have two new fare payment options, including a special three-day pass.

Ferguson Proposes Borrowing $3 Billion for Highway Maintenance, Ferries

The governor's proposed $3 billion in bonds would add onto a Washington state transportation budget that already allocates nearly 12% to debt service. With a 60% vote needed to authorize, the idea will likely face considerable skepticism at the state legislature.
A recessed station open to the air through concrete supports

Sound Transit Board Sets Aside Idea of Skipping Second Downtown Tunnel

The cost of additional delay and reduced resiliency in the light rail system were cited as reasons to set aside the idea of dropping Ballard Link's planned tunnel under Downtown Seattle. But the discussion is likely to set up a broader debate of just who benefits from that tunnel -- and who pays for it.