Sound Transit Board adopts updated ST3 system plan

A year after launching the Enterprise Initiative to address rapidly rising capital and operating costs and affordably deliver the objectives of the ST3 program voters approved in 2016, the Sound Transit Board has adopted an updated system plan. The new plan will keep light rail projects moving by building projects that are ready for construction and advancing projects already in the planning process.

The updated system plan incorporates cost savings from across the agency, including new revenue sources and financial policies to set the agency on a sustainable path going forward. 

Sound Transit is committed to delivering the projects in ST3 as efficiently as possible. The agency will continue to search for cost efficiencies and ways to make projects more affordable and move projects forward in the delivery pipeline. The agency will aggressively compete for federal and state funding, pursue additional legislative tools to increase available debt and bonding capacity, and partner with local jurisdictions to improve permitting and construction to accelerate timelines. 

“This resolution reflects both realism and optimism — addressing today’s financial pressures while preserving our long-term commitment to delivering the regional transit system voters approved,” said Sound Transit Board Chair and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “While the financial challenges facing Sound Transit are significant, this action creates a responsible path forward that keeps critical projects moving, protects the long-term health of the system, and positions us to advance more of the ST3 vision as economic conditions improve and new opportunities emerge.” 

“We heard clearly from residents across Pierce, King, and Snohomish counties that transit matters deeply to the future of this region. People care about timelines, equity, affordability, and accountability — and they should. Those voices helped shape this updated plan and will continue to guide this Board moving forward. This region has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to invest in its future,” Somers added.  

“Light rail is coming to Tacoma on schedule and that is worth celebrating, not only for Pierce County but for the entire region. We all benefit when we have a truly regional transit system that connects all of us to jobs, essential services, and each other,” said Sound Transit Vice Chair and Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello. “At the same time, we must remain sharply focused on the tough work in front of us. Pierce County’s delegation is unwavering in its commitment to delivering all the remaining Sound Transit 3 projects that voters deserve. That is how we will continue to connect our dynamic region. Thanks to our regional partners for coming together to realize this challenging outcome, the beginning of a long road ahead.” 

“Over the last several months, I’ve worked closely with leaders across King County, Chair Somers, and regional partners to protect critical ST3 investments and keep projects moving forward despite the significant financial challenges. We secured meaningful progress on the West Seattle Link Extension, the long-awaited Graham Street Station, the 4 Line in East King County, and transit mitigation investments in South King County communities while keeping the Ballard Link Extension moving forward through the design phase so we can identify potential cost savings and efficiencies,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. “Our work as a board is far from over, and I remain committed to delivering the full ST3 system that King County voters approved.”

In developing an updated system plan, the Board considered extensive public feedback gathered through an online survey, public comments at Board and committee meetings, and more than 30 community events and town halls throughout the region. 

“Over the course of the past year, the Board and agency staff have devoted significant time and attention to developing an updated, affordable system plan. Today marks the successful culmination of that effort,” said Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine. “The level of engagement during this process demonstrates the passionate support for transit throughout the region. Following the Board’s action today, the direction to the agency is clear: Deliver more of the frequent, reliable transit people have come to rely on, and do it as quickly and as efficiently as possible. We are resolute in our commitment to do just that.”

To address the estimated $34.5 billion funding gap over the next 20 years, the updated system plan identifies projects that are affordable within existing resources, including those that can be fully funded and constructed, and those that can be partially funded through the planning and design phases, to be constructed when additional funding is identified. 

The plan also includes projects that are not currently affordable within existing resources, which will be re-evaluated as costs and agency revenue uncertainties are resolved; and projects that will be deferred until additional funding from other sources becomes available. 

Affordable projects within existing resources 

The following projects are fully funded and will be completed through construction:

• Tacoma Dome Access Improvements
• West Seattle Link Extension, no Avalon Station
• Renton Transit Center Parking Garage
• Tacoma Dome Link Extension
• Everett Link Extension, phase 1
• Everett Link Extension, phase 2
• Ballard Link Extension, initial segment to Seattle Center
• TCC Tacoma Link Extension (now 2043)
• South Kirkland – Issaquah Link (now 2050)
• Link Operations and Maintenance Facility South
• Link Operations and Maintenance Facility North
• Graham Street Station
• Sounder Maintenance Base

The following projects are partially funded and will be completed through planning and design:

• Ballard Link Extension, final design phase
• Boeing Access Road Station, final design phase
• Sounder South additional trips (partially funded)
• DuPont Sounder Extension, planning phase
• Regional Parking Fund
• ST Express Bus Base (partially funded)
• High-capacity transit corridor studies/ST4 planning (partially funded)

Projects not currently affordable within existing resources

The agency will continue to pursue additional funding for the following projects:

• Ballard Link Extension, Seattle Center to Market Street
• Boeing Access Road infill station
• Sounder additional trips
• DuPont Sounder Extension, final design and construction
• High-capacity transit corridor studies/ST4 planning

Projects deferred until resources are identified

• Tacoma Dome Link Extension Parking
• Everett Link Extension Parking
• Stride Bus Rapid Transit Parking
• North Sammamish Park-and-Ride
• Edmonds and Mukilteo Parking and Access Improvements 
• Bus on Shoulder project
• SR 162 Corridor Improvements
• Sounder South Platform Extensions
• Sounder South Station Access Improvements
• ST Express Bus Base, remainder

The Board directed agency staff to develop and implement an adaptive program management plan and a project delivery framework by the end of 2026.

This encompasses transparent program management at an enterprise scale to build in a disciplined accountability approach. The goal of program management will be to identify and incorporate cost savings in capital projects, keep the Board informed about project risks, schedule risk and oversight of project contingencies. It formalizes specific activities to enable cost savings, accelerate project delivery, and develop additional financial resources to deliver the full ST3 program. 

The project delivery framework will work to ensure that each project remains affordable and that the Board retains clear visibility and decision-making authority at key project milestones. 

Details of the system plan, as well as the adaptive program management plan and project delivery framework, are included in R2026-11.

Additional quotes from Sound Transit Board members and stakeholders

Angela Birney, Sound Transit Boardmember, System Expansion Committee Chair, and Redmond Mayor

“This resolution charts a path forward that is sustainable but will require our vigilance to ensure successful outcomes. I fully support the upcoming efforts to find additional savings and revenue opportunities to achieve as much as possible, as soon as possible. As System Expansion Chair, my focus is on that future and how we can use the tools laid out in this resolution to increase accountability of this system and agency to the public.” 

Kristina Walker, Sound Transit Boardmember, Rider Experience and Operations Committee Chair, and Tacoma City Councilmember

“Sound Transit promised Tacoma voters light rail, and today’s action to deliver the spine keeps that promise on track. So many people in our community rely on transit and so many more are waiting to see the Tacoma Dome Link Extension become a reality. I am proud of the work we've done as a board to think creatively and collaboratively to identify ways to move forward. I also want to stress that Sound Transit’s aim to bring light rail to our entire region remains a top priority, and we will not stop working until the region is fully united.”

Cassie Franklin, Sound Transit Boardmember and Everett Mayor

“We’re making the tough choices to expand our regional transit network and fulfill our commitment to serve all of central Puget Sound. Completing the Everett to Tacoma spine will build strong regional connections to major population and job centers. Everett residents have waited for 30 years for light rail service. I’m going to continue to push for faster timelines and cost savings as we move forward.”

Julie Meredith, Sound Transit Boardmember and WA State Secretary of Transportation

“WSDOT remains committed to the successful implementation of the ST3 program as an important part of the region’s overall transit investments. Our partnership with Sound Transit remains essential to improving mobility throughout the Puget Sound region.” 

Monty Anderson, Executive Secretary, Seattle Building & Construction Trades Council

“Today’s vote lays out a clear path to ongoing investment in our regional economy and in the lives of people who live and work here. The continued expansion of our transit system means thousands of family-wage jobs for skilled craftspeople, and additional investments in apprenticeships and training programs that in many cases provide pathways out of poverty. Delivering these projects means building better lives for the people who will work on them.”

Laura Svancarek, Executive Director, Tacoma On the Go

“Tacoma On the Go appreciates the budget complexities that Sound Transit is facing, and we’re pleased that many Pierce County priorities are included in the revised service plan. Pierce County is ready to join the rest of the region through light rail and we look forward to working with Sound Transit to fully implement all the projects envisioned in ST3, especially the extension of the light rail spine into Pierce County and Tacoma.”

Ray Stephanson, CEO and President, Economic Alliance Snohomish County

“The Economic Alliance Snohomish County appreciates the Sound Transit Board’s leadership and commitment to advancing the Everett Link Extension and the broader regional transit system,” said. “Expanding light rail to Everett is one of the most important investments we can make to improve access to jobs and education, support economic growth, and strengthen connections between communities and major employment centers throughout the Puget Sound region. Completing this system will help ensure our region remains competitive and connected for decades to come.”

Bill McSherry, Boeing vice president State Advocacy and Global Engagement  

"Boeing supports Sound Transit’s commitment to completing the ST3 regional spine. The Everett SW Industrial Center has the largest concentration of high-wage, high-skill advanced manufacturing jobs in Washington state. A strong, dependable regional transit network linking Seattle, Tacoma and Everett is critical to improving mobility, supporting the region’s workforce and the broader community.”