Share your input on priorities for Sound Transits ST3

The economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a shortfall in transportation revenues and increased construction costs and property evaluations across our state. These realities mean that Sound Transit is facing an affordability gap of $11.5 billion to finish the ST3 expansions, a figure that the agency’s fiscal team continues to track. The Sound Transit Board of Directors is currently taking up realignment to manage this gap and set transportation priorities.

The voter-approved ST3 ballot measure mandates that the Board of Directors must take up realignment if the program is no longer affordable. During the realignment process, the Board of Directors is considering how to cut costs, increase revenue, and delay or phase projects that are a part of ST3.

None of the Sound Transit projects currently under construction will be impacted by the realignment process. The Northgate Link Extension will open on October 2, 2021, and other extensions such as the Lynnwood, Bellevue, Redmond, Federal Way, and Tacoma Hilltop neighbourhoods continue as planned.

Realignment impacts future projects that are not yet in construction. These projects include extensions to West Seattle, Ballard, Issaquah, Everett, and the Tacoma Dome, along with some bus rapid transit projects.  These projects may be delayed or phased under the realignment process.

SHARE YOUR INPUT

Sound Transit is asking you to weigh in on your priorities for future transit investments by completing this survey. The survey will inform Sound Transit of community priorities and help direct the realignment process. Please complete this survey before April 30.

Input from both employers and employees is important to this process. Our region’s business community has strongly supported Sound Transit since its inception and its two voter-approved expansions, and we know that mass transit capacity is a significant factor in where businesses choose to locate and grow, and people choose to live and work.

Please visit Sound Transit’s website for more information on the realignment process.