Everett Link Reaches Key Federal Approval Milestone
The draft environmental analysis for the Everett light rail extension will be released September 18, Sound Transit said, thanks to a federal greenlight.
Transit
Op-Ed: Land Value Capture Could Fund Ballard Light Rail
Ballard Link faces a multi-billion-dollar budget shortfall, but one revenue tool could help get the project back on track: a value capture strategy using tax-increment financing. Here's how that would work.
Sound Transit Says Train Derailment Was Isolated Incident
The August 1st train derailment was a one-off incident, not likely to be repeated, Sound Transit said, noting "additional testing and inspections across the entire system" to check track switches for issues. Boardmember Claudia Balducci is pushing for tighter protocols during unplanned outages.
King County Council Sets Aside Emergency Motion to Restore Route 372
An ordinance from Rod Dembowski would have thrown a wrench into King County Metro's next service change, set for August 29, by restoring Route 372 without any funding to do so. Ultimately, the move seemed to be symbolic to show support for impacted riders.
Wilson, Rinck Paint Bus Lane to Speed Up Route 8
On Thursday afternoon, Mayor Katie Wilson and Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck made the trip up to Denny Way to put the final touches on a Route 8 bus lane being installed this weekend at a major bottleneck near I-5.
Op-Ed: Give Ballard a Sounder Stop While It Waits for Light Rail
With Sound Transit's failure to deliver light rail to Ballard by 2035 as originally promised, now is the moment for Sound Transit and Seattle to build a no-frills, quick-build station near the Ballard Locks to connect people to Sounder commuter rail service that’s already up and running.
West Seattle Link Opening Slips to 2035, Sound Transit OKs Property Acquisitions
Sound Transit's expected opening date for West Seattle light rail has slipped three years to 2035, agency top brass confirmed Thursday. The board is set to allocate $765 million later this month to advance property acquisitions along the route.
Sound Transit Board Committee Advances Fare Gate Retrofit Program
The proposal would spend $6 million planning and designing fare gates at 14 Link stations, with a future Sound Transit board vote expected to allocate the full $87 million construction cost. The agency expects this targeted gate program to pay for itself within two to three years.
King County Metro Adds 3,000 Weekly Trips with Fall Route Adjustments
Bus routes across North, South, and East King County will see adjustments starting August 29, with most intended to improve connectivity with light rail. The biggest changes are set to happen in South King County, where weekend service levels will dramatically increase.
Op-Ed: Sound Transit Gave Us a Ballard Date. Here’s How To Accelerate It.
Sound Transit recently revealed light rail won't reach Ballard until "around 2060" without further intervention. Seattle Subway lays out a path to greatly accelerate this delivery date, which they call “wildly unacceptable.”
Full Ballard Link Line Could Take Until 2060 To Build, Sound Transit Says
The new 2060 timeline for light rail stations in Interbay and Ballard assumes Sound Transit isn't able to unearth any major cost savings or unlock additional financial tools. But the agency painted an optimistic picture about being able to make inroads in those areas, pushing the opening to 2042.
Impending Metro Service Changes See Last-Minute Pushback in Lake Forest Park
King County Metro's new bus network in North Seattle and the North Shore communities is intended to improve access to light rail and bring increased frequencies throughout the day. But a plan to retire Route 372 between Lake Forest Park and UW has raised concerns among city officials.
Metro Set to Go It Alone on RapidRide R Line, Won't Seek Federal Funding
The R Line is set to replace the Route 7 by 2032, with County Executive Girmay Zahilay promising to "fast track" the RapidRide project last year. But amid the bleak federal transit funding landscape, Metro won't count on those dollars any longer.
Sound Transit Asks Riders to Weigh In on 2027 Service Plan
Sound Transit is weighing a cut to light rail service spans to allow larger maintenance windows and is proposing to drop the Seattle-tail of Route 560 to boost frequency on the remainder of the route. The agency’s survey on its service proposal is open through July 26.
Bremerton Fast Ferry Headed for 35% Weekday Service Cut This Fall
The number of weekday round trips between Bremerton and Seattle will drop from 20 to 13, with a major gap created between mid-morning and afternoon. The end of supplemental state funding coincides with a pivot at the legislature away from fast ferries.
Seattle Funding Measure Adding 100,000 Bus Trips Heads to Voters
If approved in November, the 0.3% sales tax measure will ramp up city-funded Metro bus service on 10 to 15 additional routes on top of maintaining extra service that exists today. Signing the measure would mark a full-circle moment for Mayor Katie Wilson.
SDOT Prepares to Roll Out the Route 8 Red Carpet on Denny Way
Long-awaited upgrades to one of the city's busiest bus corridors are just a few days away, with SDOT set to permanently close the often-clogged slip lane onto Yale Avenue on August 1. A full eastbound bus lane will be installed by the end of August.
Wilson's Transit Measure Advances Out of Council Committee Intact
While amendments from the Council did make a mark on the Seattle Transit Measure renewal, it still largely resembles Wilson's initial proposal. Amendments that would have scaled it back in scope and duration were both defeated Thursday.
Seattle Transit Advocates Push Back on Watering Down Transit Measure Renewal
Councilmember Bob Kettle's proposal to slash the Seattle Transit Measure renewal by one-third drew significant pushback this week at a public hearing on potential amendments. Among those strongly advocating against the move was the Seattle Transit Advisory Board and the Amalgamated Transit Union.
Pierce Transit Goes to Voters for First Funding Increase Since 2002
The 0.3% sales tax bump going onto the November ballot would increase service by around 40% by the mid-2030s, the biggest expansion of transit service in Pierce County in decades. Since May, the proposal has been tweaked to include free rides for seniors.
Sound Transit Smashes Ridership Record Again on Seattle's Last World Cup Match
A surge of World Cup fans for the U.S. vs. Belgium match pushed Sound Transit to new heights on July 6, with a whopping 309,000 light rail boardings. The agency also beat its monthly ridership record in June.
Op-Ed: We Can’t Afford to Shrink the Seattle Transit Measure
Join transit advocates rallying to defend the Seattle Transit Measure proposal from cuts at a public hearing on Monday, July 13. Attend the rally or send in a letter ahead of the big vote to send the package to voters.
Op-Ed: Why Spokane Needs to Keep Its Transit Momentum
Spokane County voters have an opportunity to fund transit service with a 0.2% sales tax renewal on their August 4th ballot. Here's how you can help put the measure over the top.
Kettle Proposes Slashing Seattle Transit Measure, Halting City-Funded Bus Service Growth
By far the most impactful amendment set to be considered to Katie Wilson's proposed transit measure renewal, Kettle's proposal would lead to more than 1 million fewer service hours over the course of 10 years.
Op-Ed: How the Seattle Transit Measure Can Benefit All
Transit Riders Union's survey of nearly 500 people showed the importance of investing in transit and can help guide investments to maximize benefits from the expanded Seattle Transit Measure going to voters in the fall.
Sound Transit Board Advances West Seattle Link Into Final Design
A $406 million budget amendment approved Thursday is intended to get West Seattle Link ready for construction, a key promise in the wake of a Sound Transit board vote last month to rebalance the ST3 plan. Another $16 million advances design work on Ballard Link.
Seattle Light Rail and Scootershare Smash Ridership Records, Buoyed by Friday World Cup Match
Sound Transit set a new light rail ridership record on Friday, June 19, collecting an estimated 280,000 boardings as Seattle hosted a World Cup soccer match. Lime also set a new record for scooter and bikeshare usage.
Metro Launches Summer Bus from Ballard to Golden Gardens
On June 27, King County Metro is launching a new summer-only bus route connecting beachgoers to Golden Gardens Park, temporarily closing a hole in the agency's bus network thanks to Seattle Transit Measure funding.
Everett Transit Annexation Would Level Up City's Transit System, Mayor Says
In remarks to a transportation advisory committee, Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin painted a clear picture of the need to increase bus frequencies in the city as Sound Transit advances plans for light rail and the city accommodates significant population growth in the coming years.
Wilson Makes Case for Expanded Seattle Transit Measure as Council Debate Ramps Up
Rallying with transit advocates ahead of a council meeting on the Seattle Transit Measure renewal, Wilson defended the 0.15% sales tax increase contained in her proposal. Over the coming weeks, councilmembers are poised to discuss divvying up the funding for their own policy priorities.
Is Sound Transit Abandoning the Lofty Goals of the Enterprise Initiative?
Sound Transit's lofty Enterprise Initiative was aimed at getting ballooning budgets under control without cutting or delaying planned light rail projects. However, that may have been an overly ambitious goal, since the agency did have to resort to pulling those levers last month.
Community Transit Adjusts Service, Ends Last Bus Route to Seattle
Last week, Community Transit operated its last bus to Seattle, with the retirement of Snohomish express commuter Route 424. The agency added the Bellevue-bound Route 908 to replace it, with six other routes seeing tweaks.
Zahilay Rolls Out Updated Transit Plan, as Budget Woes Cloud Metro's Future
The Metro's Next Stop plan rolled out last week by King County Executive Girmay Zahilay eyes a 12% increase in bus service by 2038. But a presentation this week at the county council paints a more dire picture of Metro's financial outlook over the near term.
Op-Ed: Help Seattle Get the Frequent Transit Network We Deserve
The Move All Seattle Sustainability Coalition is calling on City Council to approve Mayor Katie Wilson's proposed Seattle Transit Measure renewal to fund vastly more bus service and expand fare subsidies to the lowest income Seattleites. Here's why.
Sound Transit Says Reports of Ballard Link's Demise Have Been Greatly Exaggerated
A press briefing this week with CEO Dow Constantine clearly sought to assuage concerns that Sound Transit wouldn't be able to get all the way to Ballard. With a six- or seven-year "runway" to close a $7 to $9 billion gap, the pressure is clearly on to follow through on that commitment.
Sound Transit Loses Megaproject Head in Wake of Major ST3 Update
Sound Transit's first head of "megaproject delivery" will depart after just over two years in the role. Terri Mestas' departure comes at a critical time, with significant attention on how Sound Transit will get the full voter-approved ST3 portfolio on track.
Bus Network Boost from Wilson's Seattle Transit Measure Comes Into Focus
With a 0.15% sales tax bump, Seattle would be poised to see 100,000 more bus trips per year, boosting popular routes like the D Line and the 36. At a meeting Thursday, councilmembers got a deeper look at possible investments.
Crosslake 2 Line Pushes Sound Transit to Most-Used Light Rail System in US
With the boost from the expanded 2 Line, Seattle's Link rail system is humming along at 160,000 daily riders, according to new April data. That makes it the busiest light rail system in the U.S.
Op-Ed: It's Time to Reform Sound Transit
Robert Cruickshank explains the ballot initiative he has filed to reform Sound Transit's board governance, arguing the overhaul is needed to ensure ST3 rail expansions are delivered as promised.
Sound Transit Recommends Fare Gates at 14 Stations for Initial Pilot
Installing fare gates at a focused number of light rail stations would pay for itself within two to five years and boost fare revenue by more than $30 million, according to Sound Transit. If given the green light later this year, gates could be in place by 2029 or 2030.
Issaquah Claims Victory at Sound Transit, Despite Rail Delay to 2050
Even though the 4 Line was delayed from 2044 to 2050, Issaquah leaders including Mayor Mark Mullet hosted a community celebration Monday night. Mullet sees staying on the calendar as the first step in getting the timeline for the Eastside's next light rail line moved up.
Sound Transit's Murky Path to Ballard, with Regionwide ST4 Hopes Dim
While hesitant to alter plans or go back to voters for funding, Sound Transit board members approved a "Request for Information" that could unearth more affordable plans for light rail to Ballard. Even so, the path to get the project back on schedule remains murky at best.
Op-Ed: It’s Time for Vending in Link Stations
Most transit systems across the world have integrated retail within stations. It’s time for Sound Transit to join the party by streamlining its fledgling vendor program.
Wilson Proposes Doubling Transit Measure to Beef Up Seattle's Frequent Network
The City of Seattle's investment in King County Metro service would jump by 60% over the life of the proposed 10-year renewal of the Seattle Transit Measure. While backed by a sales tax increase, Wilson framed the measure as a path to affordability and access.
33 Bookstores. 10 Days. No Car. An Urbanist’s Guide to Independent Bookstore Day
To meet the Independent Bookstore Day challenge, two book worms used transit to visit 33 bookstores scattered around the Puget Sound region in just 10 days. Here's how they did it and what they learned.
Sound Transit Board OKs Major ST3 Update, Casting Ballard into Limbo
The Sound Transit board voted Thursday to overhaul expansion plans, prioritizing the rail spine from Tacoma to Everett, while deferring indefinitely stations in Tukwila, Interbay, and Ballard. Seattle leaders got Graham Street back into plans, but lamented the stations put on ice.
Graham Street Station Set to Be Resurrected at Pivotal Sound Transit Meeting
The long-promised Graham Street light rail station would go from limbo to back on track if Sound Transit board members approve an amendment advanced by Katie Wilson, Girmay Zahilay, and Teresa Mosqueda. The proposal promises "last in" funding from King County and Seattle.
Op-Ed: South King County Deserves the Light Rail Stations It Was Promised
The Sound Transit Board will soon decide whether to deliver on the decades-old promise to South King County to build light rail stations at Boeing Access Road and Graham Street. They should not break their promise again, writes King County Councilmember Rhonda Lewis.
Dan Strauss Restarts Downtown Tunnel Debate on Eve of ST3 Plan Update
An amendment from boardmember Dan Strauss would direct Sound Transit to prioritize a "starter line" between Westlake and Ballard ahead of a new tunnel in Downtown Seattle, flipping the script on Ballard Link. With a vote on Thursday, the timeline to consider such a move will be brief.
2026 Trailhead Direct Season Maintains Two Weekend Routes to Hiking Destinations
Direct service between light rail stations in Seattle and Bellevue and several major Eastside trailheads starts Saturday, and runs on weekends and holidays through August 30. Seattle's transit funding measure provides a big source of the dollars to operate the shuttles.
First Amtrak Cascades ‘Airos’ Arrive in Seattle for Testing
On Saturday, Amtrak delivered its first ‘Airo’ class trainset to Seattle for testing and deployment on Amtrak Cascades this fall. The trickle of train photos is already building anticipation for the enhanced service they will provide.
New County Transportation Funding Measure Could Shortchange Seattle
An amendment put forward by King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain would cap Seattle's participation in a new pass-through funding program to well below the city's proportional share, resulting in millions less going to the city.
Op-Ed: Trailhead Direct Transit Is Great. It Can Be Even Better.
King County should expand its wildly popular Trailhead Direct transit shuttle service. Here are a handful of ways to enhance service and get even more hikers and bikers to regional trailheads.
Local Officials Share Transit Aspirations for World Cup
Local leaders plugged expanded transit options for Seattle's World Cup matches this summer and shared their goal for 80% of fans to arrive without a personal vehicle. Here's what is planned.
Sound Transit Insists It Has No Idea When Light Rail Will Reach Ballard
Seattle leaders have been urging Sound Transit to provide a date estimating light rail's arrival to Ballard in light of plans to defer the station indefinitely, but the agency is insisting it doesn't know. This has not sat well with advocates.
Pierce Transit Rolls Out Expansion Plan and Pitches Funding Measure
Thanks to a 0.3% sales tax increase that voters could consider as soon as November, Pierce Transit is touting a plan that would result in 40% more transit service across South Sound. That increase would be a game-changer for a part of the region that has long lagged behind in transit service.
Southend Advocates Cry Foul as Sound Transit Moves to Defer Graham Street, Tukwila Stations
At a rally Monday near Seattle’s future Graham Street infill light rail station, advocates demanded Sound Transit not cut two long-planned infill stations as it rebalances ST3 plans. Speakers flagged issues with racial equity and restoring trust with voters.
Sound Transit Board Grapples with Plan to Rebalance ST3
The "affordable ST3" plan still leaves $11-$13 billion in projects unfunded, as Sound Transit board members vow to look for additional revenue and cost savings. With a May 28 board vote fast approaching, the rebalancing proposal looks mostly baked at this point.
Op-Ed: Urging Transit Officials to Join the 2026 Week Without Driving
Riding the bus regularly can help officials make better policy decisions. Nondrivers Alliance wants your help to invite them to participate in the annual Week Without Driving this fall.
Seattle Sound Transit Leaders Rally to Avoid Light Rail Delays
At a Tuesday forum, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, and Seattle Councilmember Dan Strauss pushed back hard against Sound Transit's proposal to defer Seattle light rail stations in Ballard, Interbay, and Hillman City.
Somers Proposal Keeps Rail to Everett and Tacoma On Track, Stops Short of Ballard
A proposal to close a $34.5 billion gap in the voter-approved ST3 plan is on a fast track to a Sound Transit board vote on May 28. Developed by Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, it would prioritize completing the regional rail "spine" while deferring and delaying multiple other major projects.
SDOT Advances Upgrades for SoDo's Fourth Avenue To Handle Busway Closure
One of Seattle's most dangerous, crash-prone streets will see a big jump in transit riders once construction on West Seattle Link light rail gets fully underway, closing the SoDo busway. Upgrades at two key intersections are just the start of mitigation work.
Light Rail Will Reach Tacoma Dome 'Come Hell or High Water', Pierce County Leaders Say
Facing a cost-cutting scenario from Sound Transit that may see trains stop short of Tacoma, South Sound leaders on the board look to be laser focused on delivering that light rail connection. The agency might need to get creative with other projects in South Sound.
Crucial Ballard Link Deadline Pushed Back Yet Again by Feds
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the biggest rail project in the Sound Transit pipeline is months overdue, with delays stemming from a Federal Transit Administration review to blame. Until that document is released, the board can't advance the project into final design.
Zahilay Cuts Ribbon on Northgate Station Affordable Housing, With Phase 2 in Limbo
Dignitaries cut the ribbon this week on 235 low-income apartments next door to Northgate's light rail station. Phase 2 of the project, for the remaining five acres of King County Metro's land, is stuck in planning limbo.
Everett Transit and Community Transit Restart Annexation Talks
The City of Everett has maintained its own independent transit agency since 1969, but merging with Community Transit is likely to bring major benefits for the city's transit riders. Thanks to a 2025 change in state law, the move won't require a public vote.
Denny Way Bus Upgrades Planned This Summer Include Permanent I-5 Ramp Reroute
A new eastbound transit lane will go in on Denny Way between 5th Avenue and Stewart Street this August, in addition to a permanent closure of an infamously congested slip lane at Yale Avenue. The improvements are sure to bring joy to Route 8 bus riders.
Snohomish County Has Sound Transit's Regional Rail Spine Top of Mind
At an April 14 rally in Everett, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers and Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin repeatedly stressed that finishing the light rail "spine" to Everett and Tacoma would be their top priority, while backing a plan to defer getting to Ballard.
Op-Ed: Reconnect and Automate Ballard to West Seattle Rail to Save ST3
Sound Transit can halve the cost of light rail to Ballard and West Seattle by building them as a connected automated light rail line with slimmer stations, according to two transit experts who have launched the Sound Transit Now campaign.
Citations Virtually Nonexistent After Metro Resumed Fare Enforcement
King County Metro restarted fare enforcement on its buses last spring after a five-year hiatus. But between May and December, the agency issued just eight citations for repeated non-payment, with none of those citations being resolved.
Amtrak's Seattle Trainyard Expansion Hits Halfway Mark
Amtrak's $300 million expansion of its SoDo trainyard hit the 50% complete mark this month and is on budget and on track to open in 2027. Officials welcomed local media for a tour of the facility on Thursday.
Two Long-Dormant Sites at Mount Baker Station Advance Toward Redevelopment
Seattle's Mount Baker light rail station opened in 2009, but two sites that Sound Transit acquired for construction staging are finally moving forward with redevelopment plans that could add hundreds of homes.
Long-Promised 1 Line Infill Stations Get Advocates on the Sound Transit Board
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and Tukwila Mayor Thomas McLeod have been sticking up for a pair of infill light rail stations that have been on the books for a long time, with a clear goal of making sure they don't fall through the cracks as Sound Transit makes budget cuts.
Ballard Pushes to Save Its Light Rail Station
Transit advocates shared ideas to save Ballard Link light rail from being cut or severely delayed at a rally Saturday. A ballooning budget has Sound Transit considering drastic measures, but advocates see a path forward to get to Market Street.
Op-Ed: Washington State Must Accelerate Amtrak Rail Upgrades
The Washington State Department of Transportation has a public survey out on the 2025 State Rail Plan through April 24. Let them know that improving frequency, reliability, and connections for Amtrak service is a priority.
Urbanist Podcast: Crosslake 2 Line Opening Extravaganza
The Urbanist newsroom discusses the big opening day for Sound Transit's crosslake 2 Line, how we got here, and what it means for the future of light rail expansion in the Seattle region.
Ridership Topped 200,000 on 2 Line Crosslake Connection's Opening Day
A total of 205,000 transit riders hopped on light rail trains on the first day of full 2 Line service between Seattle and the Eastside. It was the second busiest day in Sound Transit history.
Op-Ed: 2 Line Launch Should Have Us Dreaming Bigger for the South End
The recent opening of Judkins Park Station is a big step forward for transit access, but Seattle's South End must not be left behind in the next round of light rail expansion.
Huge Crowds Turn Out To Finally Ride Light Rail Across Lake Washington
Tens of thousands of riders came out to ride the 2 Line across Lake Washington Saturday, as Sound Transit inaugurated the light rail link between the east and west metro.
Everything You Need to Know About the 2 Line Crosslake Connection
Today's events celebrating the region's newest light rail connection start at 9am, with the first train across I-90 taking off shortly after 10am. As the only light rail line to cross a floating bridge anywhere in the world, the full 2 Line is a major achievement.
Crosslake Light Rail Set to Transform Puget Sound Region
The Seattle region will take arguably its biggest leap forward in transit connectivity ever on Saturday, with Sound Transit inaugurating crosslake 2 Line service. Here's how we got here.
Three More Takeaways from a Pivotal Sound Transit Board Retreat
While bleak news portending delays took center stage following the Sound Transit board retreat, the event helped get board members on the same page when it comes to a path forward. Here's what you need to know.
Op-Ed: Latvia Shows Path to Break Car Dependence
By framing a reduction of reliance on Russian oil as a matter of national security, Latvia offers a useful example of how to reduce car dependency and make real our climate goals. Latvia's ubiquitous and frequent transit network was on display during my recent visit.
King County Breaks Ground on RapidRide I, Bridging Renton and Auburn
The first new RapidRide bus line in South King County in over a decade, the I Line will connect riders with some of the area's busiest transit hubs including Kent and Auburn Stations and the forthcoming South Renton Stride station. Construction is expected to extend through 2027.
Sound Transit's Budget-Balancing Ideas All Stop Short of Delivering Rail to Ballard
At a board retreat Wednesday, Sound Transit weighed three cost-cutting approaches that all included deferring light rail stations in Ballard and Interbay to a later date when funding allows. Seattle Councilmember Dan Strauss pushed back against that approach.
Sound Transit Advances Design on Federal Way Train Base
The $350 million contract with Hoffman Construction, expected to be approved later this month, sets up a major piece of Sound Transit's system expansion puzzle. "OMF South" will be the agency's third train base.
Metro Launching All-Door Bus Boarding as Part of Spring Service Change
To speed up transit, King County Metro is officially allowing all-door boarding on buses systemwide starting Saturday, March 28, coinciding with the spring bus service change and Sound Transit's big crosslake 2 Line launch
Washington Legislature Delivers Sound Transit a One-Two Punch in 2026
State lawmakers declined to unlock a financial tool that Sound Transit sought to get through a coming financial crunch, and approved a tax package that is expected to bring the agency a big revenue hit.
Sound Transit Reveals New Cost-Saving Measures for West Seattle Link
Thanks to newly revealed cost-saving measures, the cost to bring rail to Alaska Junction is now just $700 million to $1.1 billion over the amount baked into Sound Transit's financial plan, a major change compared to where things stood just 18 months ago.
Door Closes on Potential King County-wide Transit Measure in 2026
2026 had been an opportunity to get Seattle and King County on the same page when it came to sustainable, long-term funding for Metro. But King County leaders are signaling they need more time.
Sound Transit’s Bid to Unlock 75-Year Bonds Finds Second Wind
After House transportation chair Jake Fey blocked a bill giving Sound Transit’s authority to issue longer-term bonds up to 75 years in length, the sponsor in the state Senate amended the provision into a different bill that remains alive, giving the effort a new lease on life.
Op-Ed: Finding Smart Solutions to Sound Transit Budget Woes
Taking lessons from the YIMBY movement, Robert Cruickshank charts a path forward to build out the 116 miles of light rail promised to voters in the Sound Transit 3 ballot measure, leveraging popular support to press for additional funding and lasting reforms to control costs.
WSDOT Advances Plan to Tame I-90 Ramps at Judkins Park Station
WSDOT’s concept would remove the northbound ramp from I-90 onto Rainier Avenue and improve safety at the other freeway ramps. A clear step in the right direction, the unfunded plan is not as bold as some transportation advocates would like to see near such an important light rail station.
Sound Transit Breaks Ground on Stride S3 Bothell-to-Shoreline Bus Line
When it opens in 2028, the S3 rapid bus line will provide riders across Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, and Shoreline with a more frequent, reliable transit option and extend the reach of Sound Transit’s light rail network.
Sunday Video: CityNerd’s Best Transit Cities in North America
Ray Delahanty of CityNerd ranked the top transit cities in North America based on ridership per capita at the metropolitan scale. Seattle narrowly makes Ray’s top 15 list. Check out who is above Seattle.
Eastsiders Pack ‘Save Issaquah Light Rail’ Rally
The crowded community meeting was the first step in an advocacy campaign intended to persuade members of the Sound Transit board about the value of continuing light rail expansion on the Eastside. Issaquah city leaders are bringing ideas to the table they say could cut costs.
Op-Ed: Issaquah’s Plan to Build Its Rail Line Faster and Cheaper
Civic leaders from Issaquah say they’re ready to deliver a light rail line that costs less, a station area that generates ridership through housing rather than garages, and a city that is ready to share the work with Sound Transit rather than just make demands.
South King Bus Network Revamp To Boost Weekend Service by 72%
The service boost will come in part from the restoration of 80,000 service hours that have been suspended since 2020. With the new network, Metro takes a big step toward a more frequent, all-day network in South King County.
Seattle Superbowl Victory Parade Spurs Ridership Records for Transit and Scootershare
Sound Transit tallied a record-smashing day, exceeding 200,000 boardings on Link light rail during Seattle’s victory parade day. Lime added nearly 60,000 rides on its shared scooters and e-bikes.
Sound Transit ‘Building Blocks’ Set Stage for Major Decisions this Spring
Hoping to avoid simply delaying projects or shortening lines, Sound Transit has been looking high and low for potential cost savings. Those options are set to be contemplated at a March 18 board retreat that will set the stage for major decisions in the months ahead.