Transportation

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.

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.

The Series 3 cars, set to go into service starting in 2033, would boost passenger capacity by between 5% and 13% while being 10% cheaper. Other details, including passenger layout and amenities, remain to be determined as Sound Transit continues planning.

Faced with an agency-wide budget gap approaching $30 billion for the next wave of expansion plans, Sound Transit boardmembers are retreating to their corners and doubling down on parochialism. Clearly, a more holistic approach is needed, driven by outcomes and regional cooperation.

A press event in Ballard Tuesday was intended to bolster support for getting Seattle's next two light rail lines across the finish line. But rhetoric won't change the dynamics on the Sound Transit board, which feature suburban leaders just as dug in to prioritize the spine from Tacoma to Everett.

The original 58 Sounder railcars, which have been in service since the launch of Sound Transit's first commuter rail line in 2000, will see a full refurbishment to extend their life. The overhauls come at a turning point for the future of Sounder.

Citing exponential increases in traffic congestion, the Seattle Department of Transportation says it can't implement additional bus priority along the busiest part of Denny Way. Transit advocates aren't giving up.

Runners are competing in a 36-mile “Light Rail Relay” race on September 27. It's a low-cost, transit-friendly way to compete in a cross-country race tracking the path of 1 Line Link service.