Welcome to the CEO Corner
Here you'll find the latest news on Sound Transit as we continue building a mass transit system that connects the Puget Sound region. In 2009, we carried over 18.5 million people on our buses and our commuter and light rail trains. Every day we are improving mobility and providing alternatives to sitting in traffic.
As the CEO of Sound Transit, I can assure you that everyone here, including the Board of Directors, Sound Transit staff and our consultants, is committed to offering safe and reliable service and building quality transit projects throughout the three-county region. Sound Transit is accountable to the public. The agency’s commitment to openness and accountability is evident in its cost and project controls, its outside audits and oversight and with its clearly defined milestones that are updated every year.
Joni Earl, Sound Transit Chief Executive Officer
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CEO Report
February 5, 2010
Important service changes start Saturday
Starting tomorrow, revisions in bus service will make it easier for riders to get to Link light rail.
Basically, what's happening is four Southeast Seattle Metro routes that connect with Link will run more frequently and routes that serve light rail stations at Tukwila and Sea-Tac Airport are being revised.
Because the airport is now served by light rail, Metro is discontinuing Route 194 and shifting resources to other routes. Expanded ST Express bus service will replace the portion of Route 194 between SeaTac and Federal Way.
Most of the changes will improve access to light rail in Beacon Hill, the Rainier Valley, Tukwila and SeaTac.
The changes also include revisions to several ST Express regional bus routes, including a new Route 566 between Auburn and Overlake.
No changes are planned for Sounder or Tacoma Link. Minor schedule adjustments are in store for Central Link.
Visit www.soundtransit.org for the details.
Edmonds Sounder station update
One of our major milestones for 2010 is breaking ground on the permanent Edmonds Sounder station. On Thursday, the Sound Transit Finance Committee moved us closer to that day by approving a development agreement and an interlocal agreement with the City of Edmonds.
The Edmonds Station project includes two rail platforms, which will be shared with Amtrak, eight weather protection rail passenger shelters, a ticket vending machine shelter, bicycle locker(s) and bicycle rack(s) and 163 parking stalls. The station also includes landscaping, lighting, informational signage, railing and fencing incorporating artistic elements.
Community Transit is also planning a transit station, including a bus platform, two or three weather protection shelters, landscaping and lighting on the northeast corner of the site between James and Main Streets.
The permanent station is at the same location as the current Sounder and Amtrak Station on the Edmonds waterfront.
Smart Growth conference in Seattle
Leaders from around the country began meeting in Seattle on Thursday to discuss sustainability, livable communities and transit-oriented development at the Smart Growth conference.
Thursday evening Ron Sims, Deputy HUD Secretary and our former Sound Transit Board Chair, was surprised with a Lifetime Achievement Award. I also had the pleasure to brief Ray LaHood, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, about our work in the region and to thank him for our federal partnership.
APTA 2010 Transit CEO seminar
Earlier this week I joined transit CEOs from around the country at the American Public Transportation Association 2010 transit CEO seminar. The sessions focused on safety, best practices and leadership tools. The timing for the seminar was good because APTA President Bill Millar was able to brief us on President Obama's Fiscal Year 2011 budget proposal and discussions on the reauthorization of transportation funding and other funding initiatives, such as high-speed rail and jobs bills.
On Tuesday, I was part of a panel that discussed transit-oriented development projects.
My presentation included a look at Sound Transit services and projects as well as efforts to encourage transit-oriented development around our stations. Those projects include the nearly completed Korean Women's Association Senior City near the Federal Way Transit Center, and opportunities around the Mount Baker light rail station and the future Capitol Hill Station.
As in previous years, the seminar provided valuable time to share ideas and insights with other transit CEO's.
Photo of the Week
Our photo this week shows the future Capitol Hill Link light rail site.
http://www.soundtransit.org/newsroom/photo/.
The Sound Transit Finance Committee on Thursday:
- Approved an agreement with the City of Kirkland for operation and maintenance of the Totem Lake Freeway Station.
- Approved an agreement with the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma to allow Sound Transit to construct a wetland mitigation project at McKinley Park, which includes a not to exceed amount of $5,000 for interpretive signage.
- Approved a contract with MBI Seattle to purchase and install office furniture at 315 Fifth Avenue S. for a total authorized contract amount not to exceed $420,856.
- Approved a contract with Dell, Inc. for technology hardware purchases and hardware maintenance services for a total authorized amount not to exceed $800,000.
