As Earth Month draws to a close, it’s a good time to reflect on our agency’s longstanding environmental stewardship, and how we see that stewardship as a shared responsibility.
There has recently been a lot of focus on what we’re doing. And for good reason. The groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings are exciting. They represent progress for our region and people’s lives being changed for the better. The board also has consequential decisions to make in the coming weeks and months related to the Enterprise Initiative.
It’s also important to keep in mind, however, that how we do things is just as important. Since its founding, Sound Transit has been a mission- and values-driven organization. One of our core values is Quality, a value that we interpret to represent efficient, sustainable and equitable delivery of our services and projects.
Sustainability is central to how we plan, build, and operate our growing system that connects people to opportunity across the region. Our 2026–2030 Sustainability Plan embeds climate responsibility, community benefits, and operational reliability into every part of our work.
Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Washington state, making public transit use one of the most effective ways to reduce our collective impact. Each trip taken on transit helps lower emissions, improve air quality, and strengthen quality of life in our region.
As we shared in our most recent sustainability progress report published in September 2025, Sound Transit riders in 2024 helped avoid emitting about 255,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas. According to the EPA, that’s roughly the amount generated from burning 28 million gallons of gasoline. That kind of outcome starts with individual people choosing to ride.
We’re also working to do our part within the agency. Since 2018, we have reduced our own emissions by 16 percent. And through resource efficiency efforts, we saved over $900,000 in 2024 while improving how we use energy and materials.
These outcomes reflect a shared effort. Every rider is part of this progress, alongside employees and partners who support the system every day.
We are always looking ahead and seeking to do more. Sound Transit is committed to a zero-emissions future, with actions already underway to transition away from fossil fuel-powered vehicles. Across our fleets, facilities, and operations, we are investing in cleaner, more efficient systems that further reduce our environmental footprint and strengthen our region.
As we make these investments, increasing ridership remains one of the most effective ways to deliver on our sustainability goals. The system we are creating will allow my daughter’s generation, and the generations that follow, to enjoy greater opportunities with fewer negative impacts.
Our approach to sustainability is grounded in a long-term vision: A transit system that not only moves people efficiently but also supports a healthier environment and more equitable communities.
To everyone who chooses to ride with us: Thank you. Using transit is one of the most meaningful actions any of us can take to support our region’s wellbeing. Your decisions are making a difference today and helping us all build a more sustainable system for tomorrow.