Sound Transit is proposing a number of service improvements in 2016 to meet growing demand and deliver voter-approved projects that include 90 more weekday bus trips on its most crowded routes and a new Sounder commuter rail mid-day round trip.
The new service is in addition to the University Link light rail extension opening in early 2016 with stations on Capitol Hill and the University of Washington, according to a Sound Transit media release. Also, in late 2016, a new 1.6-mile light rail segment opens south from SeaTac/Airport Station to Angle Lake Station in SeaTac that includes 1,050 parking stalls for commuters.
In addition to the service improvements, Sound Transit is considering offering a low-income adult fare on ST Express buses to align with King County Metro and existing Link light rail fares. Sound Transit would provide the fare discount to riders who pay with special low-income ORCA LIFT cards issued by King County Metro. Other fares could increase by 25 cents.
Sound Transit is also considering raising fares on Sounder trains by 50 cents for adult and youth riders, and 25 cents for seniors and people with disabilities. Sounder has not had a fare increase since 2007 and the change would help cover operating expenses that have risen since then. To mitigate the impacts of the fare increase on low-income riders, Sound Transit is considering introducing a low-income fare on Sounder.
For more information on the proposed service improvements see: soundtransit.org/servicechange
For more information on the proposed fare change see: soundtransit.org/farechange
The public is invited to comment on the new service and fare proposals online, in person or email through Nov. 5. Comment by phone at 1-866-940-4387 or email fastride@soundtransit.org.
People can also learn more about the proposals and comment at an open house at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5 at Union Station—Ruth Fisher Boardroom, 401 S. Jackson St., in Seattle, or during public hearings at 10 a.m. and from 12-1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5 at Union Station—Ruth Fisher Boardroom.
Talk to us
Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.
To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.
