Sound Transit exploring three options to cut future light rail expansion
KOMO • • business
Key Points:
- Sound Transit is considering shortening, phasing, or delaying light rail expansions to West Seattle and Ballard to address a projected $34.5 billion funding gap in its ST3 plan, with three illustrative options currently under review that would significantly alter the voter-approved projects from 2016.
- The proposed options include scaling back station stops, delaying construction, or limiting the extent of the Ballard and West Seattle lines, aiming to reduce costs amid rising capital expenses and weaker revenue projections, though the agency remains financially stable in the near term.
- Local leaders, including Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss and King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, have criticized the potential reductions, emphasizing the need to fulfill voter promises and continue advancing key projects while exploring alternatives for
