Read the Snohomish County 2019 Regional Report
Explore projects in your area
Link Light Rail
Lynnwood Link Extension
Everett Link Extension
Bus Rapid Transit
I-405 Bus Rapid Transit
SR 522/NE 145th Bus Rapid Transit
Sounder
Edmonds and Mukilteo Stations Parking and Access Improvements
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Key excerpts from the report
Transit helps keep the region moving as our population grows
By 2040, Snohomish County is projected to be home to almost 300,000 more people than in 2015. That’s like doubling the combined populations of Everett, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Edmonds, Mukilteo and Bothell.
People are discovering the Snohomish County quality of life at a record pace. But when all these people are on the roads at the same time, gridlock happens. Light rail, Sounder trains and bus rapid transit (BRT) are the best options for moving thousands more people every hour in Snohomish County without adding to traffic.
Transit provides reliability
Traveling in their own rights of way, light rail trains deliver passengers to their destinations at the same time every day regardless of traffic.
Commute times from Lynnwood to Seattle
*Reliable travel time gets commuters to their destinations on time 19 out of 20 weekdays. Source: WSDOT 2017 Corridor Capacity report.
Finances
Transit construction and operation is paid for by a combination of local taxes, federal grants, borrowing through the issuance of bonds, fares and other sources. Sound Transit recently received its 24th annual Financial Statement and federal funding Single Audit conducted by the independent outside auditing firm KPMG. No material weaknesses have been found since these audits began in 1995. Sound Transit has one of the highest bond ratings of any transit agency in the country, allowing us to obtain loans at lower interest rates, which helps save taxpayer dollars. Sound Transit’s Board of Directors is made up of 17 local elected officials and the state Secretary of Transportation.
Tax rollback
After voter-approved capital projects are completed, Sound Transit will reduce taxes to a level necessary to operate and maintain the system and pay associated debt service on outstanding bond.
More about Sound Transit:
- To learn about the Sound Transit Board
- For a list of audits and findings
- Review the 2017 Annual Report of finances, including revenues, expenses and change in net position
- Read Sound Transit’s 2019 budget and financial plan