Op-Ed: How to Close Sound Transit’s 35-Billion-Dollar Gap Without Breaking the System
Sound Transit needs a systematic strategy for closing its $35 billion funding gap. Delivering the expansions promised to voters is possible, but requires political leadership and an appetite for a sea change within the agency. A former SDOT director offers a road map.
The Pacific Northwest’s Biggest Highway Project Could be Cooked
New cost estimates on the long-planned Interstate Bridge Replacement over the Columbia River reveal a funding gap that could range from $5 billion to a staggering $13 billion, an amount that neither Washington nor Oregon is prepared to absorb. The project looks poised to meet the same fate as a similar attempt to replace the twin I-5 bridges over a decade ago.
Seattle Braces for Downtown Light Rail Closure and I-5 Bridge Work
1 Line light rail service will be disrupted starting 10pm Friday through Sunday, January 11, as Sound Transit conducts signal work in preparation for the 2 Line extension. Stations from Capitol Hill to SoDo will be closed with replacement bus service offered. WSDOT is also launching Revive I-5 work on the Ship Canal Bridge this weekend.
Crosslake Light Rail Approaches One of Its Final Milestones
With simulated light rail service across I-90 less than a month away, Sound Transit appears poised to beat its deadline of opening the full 2 Line by May 31. Simulated service will also bring increased train frequency between International District and Lynnwood, a big boost for riders.
Op-Ed: Sea-Tac Airport Transportation: Off the Road and Onto the Train
With 46,000 workers commuting to the Seattle-Tacoma Airport every day, Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa shares the Port of Seattle's plans to improve transportation options and encourage transit use.
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.
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.
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.