Sound Transit Updates November 14 and Dec 6

The November 14 system committee largest topic was about the CID station selection. However, there were plenty of other news regarding Redmond Link Extension, East Link Extension, Tacoma Link Extension, Stride BRT and at-grade crossing improvements

The full meeting video is on YouTube note it is 2 hours long, but the main updates are in the first 10 minutes. Minutes are included in the header.

Downtown Redmond Link Extension (5:42)Downtown Redmond Station platform elevated over 166th Avenue NEDowntown Redmond Link Extension Map

Sound Transit has decided to wait on formally establishing an opening date for the Downtown Redmond Link Extension. Currently civil work is still ongoing that must be completed before systems integration testing can be finished. Sound Transit expects to announce an opening date in January 2025 when they are more confident in the schedule. Currently on target for opening spring next year 2025.

East Link Extension I-90 (6:36)Sound Transit testing trains on the I-90 crossing.

The 4 downtown Seattle stations will be closed again to finish the tie in work connecting 2 Line across Lake Washington. Most of the track work was finished in 2020. The work now is regarding systems integration, including signals and communication systems. Rail cars are regularly live wire testing on I-90 from Mercer Island to South Bellevue Station.

Tacoma Dome Link Extension (7:36)Tacoma Dome Link Extension Alternatives Map

The FTA (Federal Transit Administration) signed the TDLE Draft Environmental Impact Statement last week. Sound Transit will publish the document on December 13, 2024. After publication a 60-day public comment period will open and then close on Monday February 10, 2025.

Stride 1 Bus (8:44)Stride 1 BRT Map

The Stride 1 BRT from Bellevue via Renton to Burien progress continues to move forward. The city of Renton issued a conditional use permit for the new Renton Transit Center at the originally proposed site on the north east corner of S Grady Way and Rainier Ave S. Sound Transit will soon advertise for construction of the transit center in the first quarter of 2025.

Renton's alternative proposal to build the new transit center on the former Red Lion hotel did not move forward.

King County Metro Bus map centered around Renton also showing the existing downtown' Renton Transit Center

As a side note, the Renton Transit Center" name officially chosen was originally South Renton Transit Center" in previous documents. Sound Transit also discovered during the naming process that many transit riders were unaware the existing downtown Renton Transit Center is being replaced with the new freeway-adjacent location.

At-grade Crossing Improvements (10:59)Sound Transit Completed Projects Table

The Sound Transit at-grade crossing team developed a draft master plan for improvements in not only Rainier Valley but also other at-grade crossings throughout the system. This was further discussed at the November 21st Board of Directors meeting.

Look both way imagePedestrian GatesMetro Transit Wig Wag Train headlights

Future improvements include automatic pedestrian gates, look both way, train wig wag headlights, another train coming warnings, and other improvements.

A potential future article will discuss the At-Grade Crossing master plan (69 pages) in more detail with cost and timeline estimates.

Fare Target and Compliance (51:33)

Board members asked about fare recovery and compliance. Sound Transit Staff noted that current compliance is around 55~65%. Farebox recovery target was at 40% but in 2019 the actual farebox recovery rate was 32% and in 2023 the actual farebox recovery rate was 14%.

ST Express Fare change

December 6 upcoming hearing on ST Express Fare changes from $3.25 to $3.00. The new fare aligns better with the already changed Link light rail flat fare to $3.00.

By the way, there will be a major Link reduction this weekend for repairs around UW Station. We'll have an article on it on Friday.