Sound Transit Board Approves Expanded Parking Permit Program

Issaquah Transit Center Credit: Sound Transit

This week, Sound Transit's board approved an expanded permit program that would bring paid parking to several of its most popular park-and-ride lots. In addition to the $5 carpool permits, ST will now add a permit for single-occupancy drivers. Rates will vary based on the location of the park and ride but could be as much as $90/month, with a discount for ORCA LIFT holders. We covered the program in depth last year.

From the board resolution:

This action changes the parking utilization threshold for permit implementation (HOV and SOV) from 97% to 90% or higher for at least three consecutive months, allowing program expansion to popular facilities in Snohomish, King, and Pierce Counties (Edmonds Station, Mukilteo Station, Mercer Island Park & Ride, and Lakewood Station currently meet this threshold in addition to the facilities with HOV permit programs). All future facilities built to provide access to Link light rail, or projected to reach 90% utilization within the first year, would be eligible for permit implementation at opening.

At least 50% of spaces at the lots will remain free of charge. ST first began piloting carpool permits back in 2013.