Sound Transit proposes fares for Link light rail, seeks public input

Sound Transit is seeking public comment on its proposal for a Link light rail fare structure that would be distance-based and include options for base ticket prices of $1.75 to $2, with a maximum cost of a one-way ticket from downtown Seattle to Sea-Tac Airport of $2.75.

The proposed fare structure was presented to the Executive Committee of the Sound Transit Board on Dec. 4. At that meeting, Boardmembers expressed an eagerness to hear from the public on the proposal, including the question of whether to charge for rides in the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel.

Sound Transit will open Link light rail passenger service between downtown Seattle and Tukwila in July 2009 with an extension to Sea-Tac International Airport by the end of this year. Groundbreaking for University Link, the 3.15-mile expansion of Link light rail between downtown and the University of Washington, is slated to begin this month and be completed in 2016. And, following voter approval in November 2008, Sound Transit will expand Link light rail east to Bellevue and Redmond’s Overlake Transit Center, north to Lynnwood, and south to Federal Way.

Public comment on the proposal is currently being accepted by the Sound Transit Board. Outreach to communities along the light rail line between downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport will include open house meetings in January of 2009.

• Saturday, Jan.10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  El Centro de la Raza, 2524 16th Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98144
• Thursday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  New Holly Gathering Place, 7054 32nd Ave. S., Seattle WA 98118
• Thursday, Jan. 22, 10 a.m. to noon
  Mezza Café, Starbucks Corporate Building, Floor 3, 2401 S. Utah St., Seattle, WA 98144
• Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009, Noon to 12:30 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING
  Sound Transit, Union Station, Ruth Fisher Board Room, 401 S. Jackson St. Seattle, WA 98104

The Sound Transit Board expects to make a final decision about Link light rail fares in February.

There are several options for submitting comments:

• E-mail Sound Transit at linkfares@soundtransit.org
• Send postal mail to:
  Sound Transit
  ATTENTION: Link fares
  401 S. Jackson St.
  Seattle, WA 98104
• Call Sound Transit at 206-398-5405

More information about the Link fare proposal and the opening of Link light rail between downtown Seattle and SeaTac Airport in 2009 can be found at www.soundtransit.org/linkfares.