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Sound Transit seeks public input on transit service changes

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Sound Transit is seeking public comment on several service changes that are proposed for 2009, including changes to bus routes serving Issaquah, and plans for the opening of Link light rail line from Tukwila to downtown Seattle in July. Public input will inform the Sound Transit Board’s review of proposed changes related to existing projects and services, with further input opportunities in early 2009 on system expansions approved Nov. 4.

 

Proposed changes in 2009 related to existing projects and services include:

Sound Transit is considering several changes to three routes connecting Issaquah to Bellevue, downtown Seattle, and North Seattle. The proposed changes to ST Express Route 554 include changing the location of the Eastgate Park-and-Ride stop to the HOV direct access ramp platforms, and increasing weekday service from every 30 minutes to every 15 minutes at midday between Seattle and Issaquah. Proposed changes to ST Express Routes 555 and 556 include consolidating the Eastgate Park-and-Ride stops at the HOV direct access ramp platforms, and rerouting buses to Bellevue Way Southeast and the South Bellevue Park-and-Ride for better connections to other regional routes.

The biggest service change coming in 2009 will be the opening of Link light rail service between Tukwila and downtown Seattle in July and to Sea-Tac Airport in December. A temporary bus shuttle will connect Tukwila Station to the airport until the airport segment opens for service.

Proposed hours for light rail service are 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, and 6 a.m. to midnight on Sundays and holidays. Trains will arrive every 6 to 8 minutes during weekday peak periods, and every 10 to 15 minutes during non-peak hours. Link light rail fares will be established in early 2009 following a separate public outreach process.

 

There are several options for submitting comments:

  1. Open House for 2009 Service Implementation Plan—Current ST services
    Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
    Union Station, Great Hall, 401 S. Jackson St., Seattle
    The open house will also include information about Link light rail service, including materials and tips about pedestrian and traffic safety around moving light rail vehicles, and progress updates on Link extensions to the University of Washington and across Lake Washington to the Eastside.
  2. Public Hearing for 2009 Service Implementation Plan—Current ST services
    Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, Noon – 12:30 p.m.
    Union Station, Ruth Fisher Board Room, 401 S. Jackson St., Seattle
  3. E-mail Sound Transit at fastride@soundtransit.org
  4. Send postal mail to Carol Masnik at Sound Transit, 401 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104
  5. Call Sound Transit at 1-866-940-4387

More information about the 2009 Service Implementation Plan, Link light rail fares, and the Fall 2008 Regional Transit News publication can be found at x1195.xml.