What's Happening Now
Statement from Mayor Wilson on Sound Transit Board Vote
Mayor Wilson talking with fellow Sound Transit Board members at the retreat back in March (Photo by Sound Transit)
Mayor Katie B. Wilson released this statement following the May 28 Sound Transit Board of Directors vote on the updated Sound Transit 3 System Plan:
“When I came into office, Sound Transit was eliminating projects, searching for billions of dollars of savings, and there was not a clear pathway to keep things moving on key Seattle projects.
After six months of public mobilization and hard work by my team and many others, today we finally have a plan to deliver Graham Street, we’re moving West Seattle forward, and the development of the regional system once again has continued momentum. This is just a start, but it’s meaningful progress.
I’m frustrated and disappointed that we have not yet been able to find a way to deliver more for people in Ballard who have been paying into the program for years and not seen enough results. I’m pleased the Board adopted my amendment requiring us to consider additional options so we can find a better way forward, and I’m committed to keep doing the work to deliver what voters are demanding and build the damn trains all the way to Market Street so we can finish what we are starting here today.”
About the Expansion
Sound Transit is building 13 new and expanded light rail stations with service to West Seattle in 2032 and Ballard in 2039. The West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions (WSBLE) include a new transit tunnel under Downtown and two water crossings. It is the largest transit investment in our city’s history.
Additional Stations
• Pinehurst Station
• Graham Street Station
• Boeing Access Road Station
Why Light Rail?
Benefits of expanding light rail
- reduces traffic congestion
- improves air quality, environmental sustainability
- attracts new businesses and residents
- revitalizes neighborhoods
- adds rapid, reliable and efficient high-capacity service
- enhances mobility, especially for those who depend on transit
How light rail differs from bus transit
- greater capacity
- improved reliability with dedicated travel space
- economic development potential
Please refer to Sound Transit's website for details on project delivery dates.
Map graphic: Sound Transit
Sound Transit and the City are working together to create a more connected, more productive region by making it easier and safer for people to take transit to jobs, housing, and the many opportunities the Seattle area offers. — Goran Sparrman, Interim CEO, Sound Transit
How the City and Sound Transit Work Together
City of Seattle |
Sound Transit |
| Leads the design and construction of street improvements to make it safer to travel to and from the light rail stations in Seattle | Leads the design and construction of the West Seattle Light Rail Extension and Ballard Light Rail Extension, known as Sound Transit 3 (ST3) |
| Manages arterial and residential street use and maintenance in the City of Seattle | Operates the light rail system in Seattle and throughout the region |
| Updates city codes to align permit requirements with city environmental goals | Manages the siting for light rail stations and track alignments |
| Ensures compliance with city codes and permit requirements | Discusses mitigation efforts with property and business owners |
| Develops transit-oriented design around the station | Develops transit-oriented design at the station |
| Engages stakeholders and the public about its areas of responsibility | Engages stakeholders and the public about its areas of responsibility |
| Overseen by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), the Mayor, and City Council | Overseen by the CEO and Board of Sound Transit |