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In early 2020, the Board launched a process called realignment to review options for addressing the significant affordability gap, most recently forecasted at $6.5 billion, affecting our future regional transit expansion projects that are not yet under construction.
On Thursday, Aug. 5, the Board adopted a new flexible framework to support moving forward with projects, including Sounder South Capacity Expansion, as rapidly as possible. Learn more about the Board’s action in our Platform blog post.
The Sounder South Capacity Expansion project includes extended platforms to accommodate longer trains, additional weekday trips and strategic access improvements. The Board’s adopted framework identifies the following affordable dates for delivering Sounder Capacity Expansion program elements, based on current revenue projections and planning cost estimates:
- Longer trains and platform extensions by 2036
- Access improvements in Pierce County by 2036
- Access improvements in South King County by 2041
- Potential additional trips by 2046
The project’s ultimate timeline will come into greater focus as we advance the planning process, and our path forward will be shaped by determined efforts in the coming years to secure expanded funding. Close collaboration with our partners will be required to deliver projects as rapidly as possible.
Learn more about the realignment process at soundtransit.org/realignment.
Questions? Please feel free to reach out to Melanie Mayock at melanie.mayock@soundtransit.org.
As we continue to increase transit service following reductions last year due to COVID-19, Sound Transit will be restoring two afternoon Sounder South trips on Sept. 20:
- Train 1507: 2:35 p.m. departure from Seattle to Tacoma
- Train 1520: 4:06 p.m. departure from Tacoma to Seattle
Our proposed 2022 Service Plan would build on that and bring Sounder South service back to pre-pandemic levels.
We need your feedback on the plan. Visit our online open house by Aug. 22 to share your priorities. You can also leave a comment via phone by calling 800-201-4900 / TTY:711 or emailing servicechanges@soundtransit.org, or join us at our virtual open house Aug. 11 at 6 p.m. or online public hearing Aug. 12 at 11 a.m. You’ll find the links for both events on the online open house page.
In March, Sound Transit implemented lower Sounder fares for ORCA LIFT passengers (low-income adults), youth (ages 6-18) and Regional Reduced Fare Permit holders (seniors age 65+ and riders with disabilities).
This reduction makes Sounder more accessible and brings Sounder fares in line with Link light rail and ST Express bus fares for these passenger groups.
New fares:
Watch for future project updates. Forward this to your friends, family, neighbors and people in your community! Encourage them to subscribe.
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