Overview
Every year, Sound Transit prepares the Annual Service Plan to propose service changes for the following year. During the planning process, Sound Transit analyzes routes based on several criteria. The agency then proposes changes like reducing or adding services depending on current and projected ridership.
Sound Transit is preparing the 2026 Service Plan in phases to account for Link light rail openings in 2026 and future changes to ST Express bus service.
The Phase 1 Survey, conducted in April 2025, introduced riders to the planning process. We surveyed riders across the region in Phase 1 to better understand how riders prefer to use ST services currently and in anticipation of future Link openings in 2026.
Engagement timeline
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Phase 1 - April 2025
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We will provide an update on additional Link light rail service coming online in 2026.
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Develop ST Express service concepts
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We will share proposals for fall 2026 ST Express service and seek feedback from our riders with the Phase 3 ST Express Survey. During Phase 3, there will be several opportunities for virtual and in-person engagement.
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ST Board Approval - Link
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Evaluate survey feedback
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We will report back on what we heard in Phase 3 and share the final proposed changes to ST Express Bus service, which will take effect fall 2026 at the earliest.