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.
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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.
Judkins Park Light Rail Opening Spurs Housing Boom
Near Judkins Park Station, builders have added more than 2,000 homes since 2018, plus new schools and retail. This includes 600-plus townhomes and 700-plus income-restricted affordable homes. Another 900-plus homes are in the development pipeline.
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.
Mercer Island’s Sluggish Housing Buildout Near Light Rail
Since 2010, Mercer Island has added just 549 housing units in its "Town Center" on the doorstep of a brand new light rail station opening this weekend. State intervention could force more housing to get built, but a big opportunity has been missed so far.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Urbanist Podcast: Crosslake Light Rail + ICE-Triggered Constitutional Crisis
In this episode of The Urbanist Podcast, our newsroom discusses what the crosslake 2 Line opening will means for the region, what removing Claudia Balducci as System Expansion Committee Chair means for Sound Transit, and what the region is doing to address a constitutional crisis created by Trump’s
Issaquah Pitches Case for Keeping Its Light Rail Line on Track
The $5.6 billion to $6.3 billion light rail line between South Kirkland and Issaquah is currently set to open by 2044 but could see further delays. Newly elected Mayor Mark Mullet wants the project to serve as an example of how to get creative in response to funding shortfalls.
Simulated 2 Line Service Begins Saturday, Bringing Riders a Frequency Boost
On Saturday, February 14, simulated service on the full 2 Line will commence, with train operators mimicking the service patterns they intend to operate after the March 28 grand opening. Light rail riders will be able to benefit from doubled train frequency in stations from the International Distric
2 Line Countdown Milestone Points to Light Rail Battles Ahead
Anticipation is building for the 2 Line extension March 28, crossing Lake Washington and tying the Eastside into Sound Transit’s broader light rail network. But much work remains to get the next set of expansions right, and removing Claudia Balducci as System Expansion Chair launches that work on a
Olympia Seeks to Boost Sound Transit with Long Overdue Permit Reforms
A pair of bills advancing this week at the state legislature would finally allow Sound Transit to rise above the local permitting fray in several key areas. The reforms could save as much as nine months on key transit projects, according to the agency.
Sound Transit Board Removes Key Committee Chair Ahead of Pivotal Year
Claudia Balducci, the second longest serving member of the Sound Transit board, will no longer be a member of the committee she’s lead since 2018. The swap out comes just as the board faces critical decisions around the future of the Sound Transit 3 expansion plan, work that will largely be hashed o
Sound Transit’s 2 Line Will Finally Connect Across I-90 on March 28
Eagerly awaited by transit riders, the full 2 Line light rail connection will finally bridge Seattle and the Eastside and bring expanded train service all the way from Redmond to Lynnwood. The expansion will bring stations at Judkins Park and Mercer Island online.
Op-Ed: Light Rail Could Transform Bellevue’s Eastgate into Urban Oasis
Adding a light rail stop next to Bellevue’s decommissioned airport could unlock more than 100 acres for dense urban development, boosting the potential of the planned line to Issaquah. Like Bel-Red or the Spring District, Eastgate could be the next Bellevue neighborhood to transform with transit-ori
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Urbanist Podcast: A Light Rail Opening and Police Accountability Door Closing
Ryan Packer, Amy Sundberg, and Doug Trumm discuss the Federal Way Link light rail opening in early December, Katie Wilson’s transition team and early hires, and the Seattle City Council’s vote to approve a controversial labor contract with the Seattle Police Officers Guild.
Op-Ed: Defer Seattle’s Second Downtown Rail Tunnel to Save ST3
Tabling a second light rail tunnel through Downtown Seattle and redesigning Ballard Link to use the existing tunnel could save $4.5 billion, and Sound Transit has been too quick to dismiss the idea, Scott Kubly argues. The money saved could reduce delays and fund important transit upgrades elsewhere
Sunday Video: Opening Day of the Federal Way Light Rail Extension
In this short video, Hanoch Yeung of Best Side Cycling shares vignettes of Federal Way Link opening day events, some in-motion clips along the route, and elements of the station grounds at the there new light rail stations.
Eliminating Second Seattle Rail Tunnel Could Save $4.5B, But With Major Impacts, Delays
Sound Transit’s analysis, prompted by a request from King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, looks at ways to get to Ballard without a new tunnel under Downtown Seattle. While the potential cost savings could be as much as $4.5 billion in 2025 dollars, but staff is stressing delay and risk.
Sound Transit Board Closes In on Fare Gate Proposal
The board motion advanced this week asks for one final look at where fare gates would make sense in Sound Transit’s light rail system before implementing a potential pilot program before the end of 2026.
Thousands Pack Trains for Launch of Federal Way Light Rail
Transit riders and elected officials alike celebrated light rail’s arrival in South King County, as Sound Transit held a grand celebration to tout its three new stations and cut the ribbon in Federal Way.
Everything You Need to Know About Federal Way Link
The three stations of the eight-mile Federal Way Link light rail extension open December 6. Here’s your guide to the new line and the opening day festivities.
Op-Ed: Sound Transit’s Station Naming Policy Has Run Amok Again
With three “downtown” stations and counting, Sound Transit must overhaul its station naming policy and name its stations less confusingly so that riders can easily navigate a growing system.
Federal Way Link Stations Not Seeing a Housing Boom
Homebuilding activity is anemic near the three Sound Transit light rail stations opening this month in South King County. The Urbanist reviews the 3,000-plus homes in the development pipeline, and explores the obstacles standing in the way.
Wilson, Mosqueda, Fain, and McLeod Join Sound Transit Board
Sound Transit’s four new members join other reappointments and board members whose terms are not up for renewal. This new freshman class will not have much time to get adjusted before being faced with major decisions around the future of the region’s transit system.
First Look at South King County’s Three New Light Rail Stations
Sound Transit gave reporters a sneak peak at the three new light rail stations set to open in Kent Des Moines, Star Lake, and Downtown Federal Way. Check out the station designs and their custom artwork ahead of the grand opening Saturday at 11am.
Sound Transit 2 Line Testing Enters a New, More Visible Phase
Light rail riders will see out-of-service trains running between International District-Chinatown and Lynnwood as the next major milestone for testing on the full 2 Line.
Escalating Costs Could Push Sound Transit to Reconsider Two Infill Stations
Long promised and approved by voters in 2016, the cost to build two deferred light rail stations in Seattle and Tukwila has jumped by more than two-thirds in just a few short years. The two projects are likely to be put under a microscope along with the big-ticket ST3 rail extensions.
‘Build the Damn Trains’ Campaign Pushes Sound Transit Toward Creative Solutions
As the Sound Transit board approaches the point of grappling with how to rebalance the entire Sound Transit 3 package, transit advocates are urging them to look for new solutions outside of project delays or cancellations.
1 Line Light Rail Faces Weekend Maintenance Closures Starting November 8
The Saturday and Sunday closures through Downtown Seattle come ahead of additional maintenance work planned later this fall and winter.
Sound Transit CEO Lays Out Approach to Second Seattle Rail Tunnel
Before moving ahead with building a second Downtown Seattle light rail tunnel as planned, Sound Transit is taking a second look at putting a third line in the existing tunnel instead. Doing so would entail some major tradeoffs, which the agency intends to fully lay out in its study.
How Ballard and West Seattle Light Rail Became a $30 Billion Undertaking
Since voters approved West Seattle and Ballard Link in 2016, the two projects have been caught in a perfect storm of factors that led to the eye-popping cost estimates that we have today. While the path forward looks bleak, there are signs that Sound Transit is learning from its mistakes.
Op-Ed: Link Light Rail’s Success Depends on Second Downtown Seattle Tunnel
Some Sound Transit boardmembers have questioned the necessity of building a second light rail tunnel in downtown Seattle, arguing that routing Ballard Link through the existing tunnel could save billions. However, that arrangement introduces huge challenges of its own. Here’s why a second tunnel is
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 spr
Sound Transit Eyes Double-Length Light Rail Vehicles for Next Major Purchase
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.
The Sound Transit Board Signals a Return to Parochialism
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.
Harrell Stumps for West Seattle, Ballard Light Rail, Facing Financial Headwinds
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.
Op-Ed: Join Relay Race Running Length of 1 Line Light Rail
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.
Sound Transit Plans Major Program Reset Tackling 30- to 40-Billion-Dollar Shortfall
Work to close the 20-25% funding gap announced Thursday will likely have far-reaching implications on everything from system expansion projects to how Sound Transit delivers current service. The coming months will likely see assumptions long thought settled back on the table.
Federal Way Light Rail Extension to Open December 6
Federal Way Link will open on December 6, ahead of the previous plan for an early 2026 opening, Sound Transit announced today.
Sound Transit’s 2 Line Faces Hurdles Beyond Crossing I-90 Bridge
While the ability to run trains across the floating bridge continues to be a major impediment to getting the full 2 Line running, other issues along the existing 1 Line could pose even greater challenges to maintaining consistent service.
Op-Ed: Sound Transit’s Light Rail Plan Leaves Kirkland And Issaquah Behind
Planned 4 Line light rail would stop well short of urban cores in Kirkland and Issaquah and not open until the 2040s. This makes bus rapid transit a better fit that can be deployed more quickly and economically, Oliver Chen argues.
Sound Transit’s 2 Line Is Even More Popular Than We Thought
More than 300,000 riders used the 2 Line in July, a 47% increase over June. Averaging more than 10,000 daily riders, the 10-station line rivals the busiest King County Metro routes in terms of usage.
Downtown Redmond Drives 2 Line Growth, Becoming Eastside’s Busiest Rail Station
With monthly ridership now exceeding 200,000 on the 2 Line, Downtown Redmond Link has clearly kicked things into a higher gear. Having a light rail station so well integrated into a growing urban neighborhood is likely part of the recipe for success.
Federal Way Light Rail Extension On Track for Early Opening
Light rail riders are poised to be able to take 1 Line trains all the way to Downtown Federal Way before the end of 2025, thanks to work accelerating the grand opening. That will pave the way for a full opening of the 2 Line across Lake Washington by spring of 2026.
Seattle Council To Pave the Way for Sound Transit 3 Permitting
Two votes next week will align the City of Seattle with Sound Transit, opening the door to West Seattle Link Extension permit applications later this year. The move comes right on the heels of an overhaul of the city’s land use code’s light rail provisions.
Issaquah Eyes New I-90 Bridge to Connect to Future Light Rail Station
The preferred concept for an I-90 bridge in Central Issaquah would cost at least $110 million, and is seen as an essential component of creating a more connected neighborhood around a future light rail station. Councilmembers are wary about jumping in with both feet.
Emergency 1-Line Rail Repairs to Halt Downtown Service on Busy Weekend
All 1 Line stations in Downtown Seattle will be closed Saturday June 21 to Sunday June 22, after Sound Transit discovered a section of rail in need of replacement near Westlake. The agency plans to run shuttle buses to bridge the gap every 30-60 minutes. Alternate transit routes may best serve rider
Op-Ed: Shrinking Sound Transit’s Oversized Stations Could Save Hundreds of Millions
Sound Transit diverges from international standards by building oversized underground stations that add hundreds of millions in costs to little benefit. Overhauling the agency’s planning framework to promote more efficient designs could help keep projects on track as they face massive financial stra
Sound Transit Picks New Preferred Light Rail Route to Tacoma Dome
After navigating through a number of major issues that added years of delay, the Sound Transit board is poised to adopt a new preferred alternative for Tacoma Dome Link. The project isn’t slated to reach full design until 2027 and to open until 2035.
Sound Transit Shutters Redmond Link for Repairs Attributed to Heat Wave
Last night, Sound Transit announced it was shutting down 2 Line light rail service on its new Redmond segment (which just opened May 10) to allow for overhead wire repairs. Until that work is complete and inspected, a bus bridge is replacing the light rail service, connecting to Overlake Station whe
Council Committee Rejects Bid to Add Red Tape to Light-Rail Permitting
Rather than jumping through new hoops to submit permit applications, Sound Transit will instead simply need to submit a report laying out the public outreach it conducted. The change should allow the original intent of the bill to streamline permitting to be maintained.
Rivera Proposal Would Slow Down Seattle Light Rail Permitting
Councilmember Maritza Rivera’s last-minute proposal would require additional public outreach and documentation for light rail permit applications. The underlying bill had been intended to cut red rape. After pushback from Councilmembers Rinck and Strauss, the vote was delayed a week.
Sound Transit Starts I-90 Testing, Full 2-Line Opening Slips to 2026
The unpowered tow across the I-90 floating bridge Wednesday marks a big milestone for the beleaguered East Link project. A grand opening of the 2 Line in early 2026 is highly dependent on how the next few months of testing go.
Crowds Come Out to Celebrate Downtown Redmond Light Rail Extension
Eastside leaders speechified and cut the ribbon on the Downtown Redmond Link light rail extension on Saturday. Thousands thronged the 2 Line to get their first look at the two new stations that opened, bringing the full line to ten stations.
Everything You Need to Know About Downtown Redmond Link
Light rail finally arrives in Downtown Redmond Saturday, the culmination of years of work by Eastside leaders to bring high-capacity transit to this growth hub.
Redmond Sees New Neighborhood Burgeon Around Marymoor Park as Light Rail Arrives
The 2017 Marymoor Village growth center has led to a number of larger multifamily developments in the area around Marymoor Park in Southeast Redmond. This weekend, light rail finally arrives.
Downtown Redmond’s Building Boom Shows No Signs of Slowing
New apartment buildings like Eastline and Polaris have brought hundreds of units close to Redmond’s forthcoming downtown light rail station. On the horizon are even bigger projects.
How Downtown Redmond Grew from Sleepy Suburb to Small City
Redmond’s 1993 Downtown Plan led to an urban transformation that saw the construction of over 5,000 new units between 2000 and 2020. This Saturday, light rail arrives to support that urban growth.
Sound Transit Trains and Buses Could Soon Be Going To The Dogs
With a major dog park set to be a transit-accessible amenity along the Sound Transit light rail network, the agency is on track to reconsider its current policy that bans dogs and cats that aren’t in containers.
West Seattle Link Gains Federal Approval to Fully Enter Design Phase
The green light from the feds comes on the heels of the Sound Transit board advancing funding for West Seattle Link’s design, in the face of increasing trepidation over costs.
A Local’s Guide to the Downtown Redmond Light Rail Extension
Andrew Villeneuve offers recommendations for Redmond eats, activities, and happenings and invites urbanists to Northwest Progressive Institute’s Downtown Redmond Link opening day celebration on May 10.
Five Things to Watch at Sound Transit Under CEO Dow Constantine
Expectations are high for longtime board member Dow Constantine’s new job as Sound Transit CEO. Here’s what The Urbanist’s newsroom has at top-of-mind in the months ahead.
Issaquah Kicks Off Light Rail Station Planning
A newly adopted vision statement and guiding principles set the stage for future negotiations between Issaquah and Sound Transit over what the city’s light rail station will look like and whether it will be surrounded by a parking crater or a vibrant, walkable neighborhood.
Sound Transit Hires Constantine as CEO in Unanimous Vote
Dow Constantine will leave his post as King County Executive and take over as Sound Transit’s CEO on April 1, after the agency’s board of directors approved the hiring in a unanimous vote Thursday. Constantine takes over at a tenuous time, with projects budgets bursting at the seams.
More 1 Line Disruptions Ahead for Sound Transit Riders Through May
Pinehurst Station construction and downtown tunnel track repairs are bringing disruptions to 1 Line light rail service from now until May 29. The downtown tunnel work will truncate service from April 14 to 23. Plan accordingly.
Sound Transit Picks Dow Constantine, Elevating Board Insider to CEO
The Sound Transit Board of Directors revealed today its CEO pick is King County Executive Dow Constantine, who has served on the board for 16 years. Constantine has been a controversial candidate, with some observers seeing a seasoned executive who helped build the agency and others a borderline cas
Sound Transit Recommends Costly, Car-Oriented Infill Station in Northern Tukwila
A decades-long planned Link infill station in North Tukwila is set to move into environmental review with a single alternative recommended by Sound Transit staff. The recommended alternative forsakes a long standing objective to connect with Sounder and leaves the station relatively isolated.
Op-Ed: Optimize Sound Transit, Split System into Urban and Regional Lines
As Sound Transit builds the largest light rail expansion in the country, splitting the system into urban and suburban lines could unlock its full potential and queue up logical extensions.
Sound Transit Selects Design Approach for Graham Street Infill Station
Following an early planning process for the Graham Street infill station, Sound Transit has formally selected a particular location and design approach for the future Rainier Valley station.
Sound Transit Board Advances Secret ‘Candidate C’ as CEO Pick
The Sound Transit Executive Committee approved a secret “Candidate C” as its CEO pick today. It’s unclear if that candidate is King County Executive Dow Constantine or another finalist. The committee will seek to negotiate an employment contract and formally approve the hire at the agency’s full boa
Trump Officials Delay Expected Approval Date for West Seattle Light Rail
The 30 to 60 days of additional review isn’t unique to Sound Transit’s light rail project, CEO Goran Sparrman said, but will nonetheless likely alarm many transit advocates and threaten the project’s schedule.
Harrell Proposes Merging City’s Sound Transit Work Into Office of Waterfront
Praised for delivering Seattle’s massive waterfront revamp, the Office of the Waterfront has faced criticism for being shadowy and unaccountable. Now it will become a one-stop-shop for Sound Transit permitting.
Sound Transit to Suspend Downtown Link Service on Sunday for Maintenance Work
Weekend service disruptions continue Sunday, February 23 on the Link 1 Line. Sound Transit will suspend light rail service between Capitol Hill and SoDo stations to facilitate maintenance and construction work, and offer replacement bus bridge service.
Dow Constantine Reveals Sound Transit CEO Bid
After serving as a leader on the Sound Transit Board for 15 years, Dow Constantine revealed Friday he is seeking the job as the agency’s CEO. Some transit advocates remain skeptical.
Seattle Readies Land Use Code Overhaul in Preparation for Sound Transit 3
Seattle’s land use code is ill-equipped to handle the scale of permits that will be required to approve the city’s next light rail lines. This proposed overhaul is intended to ensure transit remains on schedule.
Downtown Redmond Light Rail Opening Set for May 10
The 3.4-mile light rail extension will add a station at Marymoor Village, near King County’s largest park, and in the heart of Downtown Redmond. The May 10 opening sets the stage for the full extension of the 2 Line across Lake Washington later this year.
I-90 Ramps Will See Safety Upgrades Ahead of Judkins Park Station Opening
Raised crosswalks and flashing beacons are set to be installed this summer at Judkins Park’s I-90 ramps, which are steps from the forthcoming light rail station.
Seattle Hiring Small Army of Planners for Sound Transit 3 Work
A quiet change to the spending categories in Seattle’s dedicated transit funding measure mean that the City of Seattle will be able to hire dozens of staff to work on different aspects of Sound Transit planning.
Two Months of 1 Line Maintenance Disruptions Start January 4
The first few months of the year are bringing 1 Line service disruptions that could hit unprepared riders hard. Here’s everything you need to know.
Sunday Video: Can Trains Save Seattle?
City Beautiful’s urbanism content creator, Dave Amos, recently visited the Seattle area to explore future transit-oriented development sites and the planning that is going into them. Featured in the video are future station areas like Interbay and Kent-Des Moines as well as a potential second Pioneer Square station predicated