Sound Transit Boardmembers to host Pierce County Town Hall meeting

Sound Transit Board members John Ladenburg, Julie Anderson, Claudia Thomas, and David Enslow will host a public meeting Wednesday September 14 to discuss the best ways to improve and expand our regional mass transit system.

"Right now, Pierce County is the only area with commuter rail, express buses and light rail," said Sound Transit Board Chair and Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg. "Obviously, Sound Transit is an important part of our community. It's time to decide how we will expand the system to provide service in the future."

"Whether you're a taxpayer, a Sound Transit rider, or both, I urge you to attend this meeting," said Sound Transit Boardmember and Tacoma City Councilmember Julie Anderson. "We'll provide an update on the existing system and provide the information people need to help us develop a plan - which we're calling Sound Transit 2, or ST2 - to better connect Pierce, King, and Snohomish counties."

After opening Tacoma Link light rail and carrying millions of commuters on Sounder trains and Express buses every day, the Sound Transit Board needs to decide what projects to put before the voters - perhaps as soon as November 2006. After an extensive public process now underway, the Board will develop a draft ST2 plan. Following a new round of public input, a final plan will be developed for voter approval.