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.
Transit
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.
Op-Ed: Pierce County Must Run a Transit Ballot Measure in 2026
The Pierce Transit Board is considering a ballot measure in November 2026 that would boost funding to expand bus service, make routes more frequent, and create new connections to light rail. Two advocacy leaders make the case for this measure.
Mosquito Fleet Act Seeks to Throw Ferry-Oriented Communities a Lifeline
The proposal to empower local governments across Puget Sound to set up their own passenger ferry districts fell short in the Senate after passing the House last year. Its sponsor is pushing even harder this year, seeking to bolster the precarious state ferry system.
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
2026 Levy Plan Sets Stage for a New Mayor’s Transportation Priorities
The full list of 430 levy-funded projects across Seattle was mostly assembled before Mayor Katie Wilson took office. But it contains significant opportunities for the new administration to shape transportation investments over the years ahead.
King County Advocates Push for Transit Funding Measure in 2026
Getting King County on board with going to the voters for a supplementary funding source for Metro bus service has long been a goal of regional transit advocates. But making it happen this year will likely be a tall order, given the need for intense coordination between two newly elected leaders.
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.
Becoming a ’15-Minute City’ Could Be Within Reach for Tacoma
Panelists at a recent Tacoma On the Go event laid out ways that the Grit City could break car dependence and become a city of walkable 15-minute neighborhoods.
Op-Ed: Revive I-5 Is the Missed Off-Ramp from Car Dependence
Revive I-5 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reduce car dependency and encourage transit, walking, rolling, and biking, but the Seattle region is letting it slip between its fingers. It’s not too late to fix that, opines Kadie Bell Sata.
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.
Seattle Streetcar Faces Uncertain Future as Newest Line Turns Ten
As the First Hill Streetcar celebrates a decade carrying riders, questions mount about the future of the Seattle Streetcar network as a whole. With a plan to finally connect the two existing lines being declared dead, the status quo is likely not sustainable.
Sound Transit Seeks Hail Mary Financial Tool to Complete ST3 Buildout
With creative tools needed to get the entire Sound Transit 3 network across the finish line as planned, Sound Transit is turning to the idea of 75-year bonds. If the Washington State Legislature OKs the concept, the move would mean extending debt to finance light rail projects into the next century.
Pierce County’s Tight Budget Forces Tough Choices
Pierce County is facing financial challenges that are straining budgets, leading to health department layoffs and lagging transit service levels. Federal chaos could make the problem worse in years ahead.
Sound Transit Greenlights Overnight Express Bus to Sea-Tac Airport
Late-night bus service starting March 28 will give riders with late flights at Sea-Tac more breathing room. The pilot is one element of Sound Transit’s planned overnight bus network queued to launch this fall.
Katie Wilson Orders Denny Bus Lane to Help Route 8 Riders
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson rolled out two executive orders on Thursday morning, seeking to get major initiatives rolling: expanding emergency housing for homeless residents and bus lanes to speed up the Route 8 bus. Wilson has set a deadline of April 17 for a Denny Way bus lane implementation plan.
One Week In, Katie Wilson Charts the Path Ahead
The Urbanist recently sat down with Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson to get the latest on initiatives she has cooking now that her team is in office. We touched on emergency housing, bus lanes, World Cup preparations, Sound Transit, culture change at the police department, and more.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
Op-Ed: Seattle Monorail Should Honor Transfers, Be Treated Like Real Transit
The Seattle Monorail should serve local residents, not just tourists. Unfortunately, the plan to end transfer credits in 2026 will gouge local riders and discourage ridership. The City should demand that monorail honor transfers between other transit services.
Monorail to Nix Transfer Credits, Raising Costs on Some ORCA Card Users
Beginning on January 1, Seattle’s monorail operator is ending free transfers to other transit services for riders who rely upon ORCA E-purse. The change could turn a $4.00 trip into a $7.00 trip for monorail riders deprived of the transfer credit.
Rebecca Saldaña Announces Run for Girmay Zahilay’s Former County Council Seat
State Senator Rebecca Saldaña announced a bid for the open King County Council District 2 seat in the 2026 election, positioning herself in the progressive lane and pledging to fight back against Trump attacks and defend the working class.
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.
Sound Transit Brokers Streetcar Swap Between Portland and Tacoma
At first glance, the deal appears to be heavily lopsided in favor of Sound Transit, which will trade aging Skoda streetcars for ones that are essentially brand new. But the Brookville cars leaving Portland experienced significant issues that could follow them to Tacoma.
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.
Why It Takes So Damn Long to Build a RapidRide Line
Corridor-wide bus revamps have been hitting delays and are often taking ten years to deliver, or more. A new King County Metro report released this fall outlines the myriad reasons RapidRide lines fall behind, as the overall program faces an uncertain future.
Teresa Mosqueda Makes Her Case for Joining the Sound Transit Board
With several vacancies opening up on the 18-member Sound Transit board, a West Seattle Link “visioning event” this week looked to many like an audition. Facing huge cost pressures, the project could use a champion among the board’s ranks.
The View From Nathan’s Bus: Remembering Why We Love Trolleys
Electric trolley buses remain the premier zero-emissions bus technology. They outperform trendy, newer battery electric buses for several reasons that Nathan Vass lays out.
Amtrak Breaks Ridership Records Nationally and in Pacific Northwest
Amtrak’s annual ridership was up 5%, hitting an all-time record high of 34.5 million rides nationwide over the last year. Amtrak Cascades also hit a record high, reporting 1.4% growth and coming in just short of joining the one-million-ride club.
Ibsen and Palmer Prevail in Tacoma, Pledging Housing, Safe Streets Push
Tacoma’s recent election elevated two urbanist-backed progressives, which could buoy efforts to expand housing, roll out street safety upgrades, and improve transit. The Urbanist chatted with Tacoma Mayor-Elect Anders Ibsen and incoming Councilmember Latasha Palmer about their plans.
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.
Cascadia Forges Ahead on High-Speed Rail Despite Headwinds
Leaders from across the Pacific Northwest recently gathered at the Cascadia Innovation Corridor Conference in Seattle and reaffirmed their commitment to building high-speed rail linking Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver, B.C. But Trump has created headwinds for the project by slashing transit funds.
Sunday Video: In Praise of Chicago and Its Beloved L Trains
Chicago has gotten a lot of national attention this year, but not for the reason we’d usually hope. Ray Delahanty of CityNerd, however, made a recent visit to check out what’s happening in the city and found that it was well and vibrant. Delahanty ticks through the L
Sound Transit Selects Private Bus Operator for Stride BRT Network
The $433 million contract with MV Transportation extends through 2032, and includes full start-up costs for the three Stride lines. It’s the first time that Sound Transit has contracted with a private operator for core transit services.
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.
Seattle Budget Tweaks Would Add Transit Security Czar, Rescue Waterfront Streetcars
Focused on transit and street upgrades, budget amendments this week will be the subject of behind-the-scenes wrangling as Budget Committee Chair Dan Strauss assembles an initial balancing package for the council to debate next week.
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.