Sound Transit seeks public comment on Northgate Link extension Service and Fare Equity Analysis

Sound Transit is seeking public comment on the Service and Fare Equity (SAFE) Analysis conducted for the Northgate Link (Northgate) extension of Sound Transit's Link Light Rail system. The Federal Transit Administration requires a SAFE Analysis for new fixed guideway projects.  

A draft of the analysis and information about how to comment on it is available online. The deadline for commenting is April 8th at 5 p.m. PDT. 

Sound Transit is conducting the analysis to ensure that changes to transit service are consistent with Title VI policies defined by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Board policies defined by the Sound Transit Board of Directors.  

The FTA is responsible for ensuring that federally supported transit services and related benefits are distributed by applicants and recipients of FTA assistance in a manner consistent with Title VI, which ensures transit agency programs and services do not discriminate based on race, color or national origin.

The opening of Northgate Link Light Rail Extension (Project) later this year includes restructuring  some Sound Transit and Community Transit express routes, the restructuring of King County Metro local routes within the project's area, the addition of new Link Light Rail stations, and a change in overall system span and frequency. 

The analysis focuses on how Sound Transit, King County Metro and Community Transit assessed and responded to potential impacts to minority and low income communities that are associated with the proposed changes resulting from the opening of the Northgate Link Extension, including any change to parallel or connecting service.