Sound Transit seeks cost-saving strategies for ST3 projects

Sound Transit opened a request for information (RFI) seeking responses from qualified sources on strategies that could reduce cost or speed delivery of ST3 projects in the planning phase through innovative technologies. The RFI is open through Oct. 5, 2026, until 5 p.m. PT.

ST3 projects in planning include the Ballard Link, Everett Link and Tacoma Dome Link extension projects.

The RFI is available at https://biddingo.com/soundtransit.

On May 28, 2026, the Sound Transit Board adopted Resolution No. R2026-11, updating the ST System Plan. This resolution also directed Sound Transit to initiate a Request for Information to identify strategies that reduce cost or speed project delivery through innovative technologies.

“Delivering on the full vision of ST 3 will require the collective grit and ingenuity of the entire region,” said Snohomish County Executive and Sound Transit Board Chair Dave Somers. “Inviting the expertise of not only the contracting and professional services sectors, but also the transit riding community and beyond, shows the commitment and creative problem solving that this Board and the agency have embraced throughout the Enterprise Initiative.

“Sound Transit must exhaust every option when it comes to finding ways to reduce costs, speed up delivery, and bring new ideas to the table. I was proud to work with Mayor Wilson, Councilmember Strauss, and Councilmember Mosqueda to unanimously pass the amendment to the Enterprise Initiative motion that required Sound Transit to put forward this Request for Information. I’m glad to see the agency following through. We need to keep looking at every reasonable option to deliver the full promise of ST3, including light rail all the way to Market Street in Ballard,” said King County Executive and Sound Transit Board member Girmay Zahilay.

“I appreciate Sound Transit’s quick work to issue this Request for Information. The task ahead of the Board and agency is to roll up our sleeves and find creative, innovative, and implementable strategies that deliver light rail on time and on budget,” said Seattle Mayor and Sound Transit Board member Katie Wilson. “I co-sponsored this RFI in May to invite industry and community to join us in this work because we need all hands on deck to deliver the light rail expansion promised to voters. This is an important step, and I look forward to reviewing the ideas, strategies and approaches that come our way.”

“We need to leave no stone left unturned to find cost savings, efficacies, and international best practices that will get light rail to Ballard faster and cheaper. This RFI is one tool to help us find those strategies,” said Seattle City Councilmember and Sound Transit Board member Dan Strauss. “Thank you to Board member Zahilay for his partnership in moving this important measure forward.”

Strategies submitted should complement the existing environmental review process and avoid additional disruption or delay to light rail projects underway. This RFI will not result in any contract award.

The expanded project analysis should include evaluations comparing not only cost but also ridership capacity, service frequency, passenger experience, operational and long-term maintenance implications and labor considerations.

Questions about the RFI should be emailed to Sound Transit at dccprocurementhelp@soundtransit.org.