King County Metro Delays Planned Electrification Work, Pushing Out Fiscal Cliff
Pivoting away from full-scale bus base retrofits that go all-in on battery electric buses means that Metro won't face a fiscal cliff until the early 2030s, according to budget writers. Metro's General Manager also framed the move as one that helps to preserve core bus services.
Op-Ed: Step Aside Waterfront, Long Neglected North Rainier Deserves Investment, Too
A thriving Mount Baker Transit Center requires pedestrian upgrades, a revitalized commercial district, and plenty of housing nearby. Unfortunately, the City of Seattle is investing elsewhere, with North Rainier an afterthought.
Op-Ed: SDOT’s Flawed Analysis of Denny Bus Lanes Is Political Theater
Assuming bottomless motorist demand and no mode shift to transit made the Seattle Department of Transportation's study of Denny Way bus lanes effectively worthless. Route 8 upgrades deserves real consideration.
Sound Transit Outlines Promising Everett Link Cost Reductions, Bleaker Seattle News
Costs are going up on all Sound Transit 3 projects, with West Seattle Link now expected to cost up to $7.9 billion, Everett Link $7.7 billion, and Ballard Link more than $20 billion. Sound Transit has been able to identify cost-saving opportunities in Everett, but Seattle is in a tough position.
Sound Transit Leaders Plan to Give Fare Gates a Closer Look
Eyeing upgrades happening at other transit systems around the country, Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine is set to propose further analysis of implementing fare gates at stations. The agency hopes to increase fare compliance on Link light rail, shoring up a revenue source.
Powered Link Train Crosses I-90 for First Time in Pivotal Test
With the long-awaited inaugural "live wire" test successful, Sound Transit will continue tests on the Lake Washington bridge for another 10 to 12 weeks, followed by several months of running empty trains. Monday's test was a crucial milestone to stay on track for a full 2 Line grand opening next spring.
King County Council Unsnags RapidRide I Line After Property Disputes
After considering a broader slate of property condemnations to keep the RapidRide I Line on track for a 2027 opening, the council is poised to approve a compromise measure much narrower in scope.
While Seattle Population Spikes, Car Population Stalls Out
Seattle's human population is growing fast, but its car population has stalled out. Between 2017 and 2023, Seattle added 35,000 households and about 80,000 residents, but just 3,300 cars, new Census data has revealed -- in news that is music to urbanist ears.