Smarter Transit is an all-volunteer, pro-transit, non-partisan, non-profit citizens’ organization. Our mission is to support and advocate for accountable public transportation governance and investments that grow transit, vanpool, carpool ridership, and safe bike and walking routes throughout the Puget Sound region in the most cost-effective way.
Bellevue light-rail line isn’t open yet, but something’s already broken
In its run-up to launching an Eastside starter line next spring, Sound Transit discovered loose tiles on the passenger boarding platform of South Bellevue Station, and needs to replace them fast. Project executives say the 10,000-square-foot retrofit may cost up to $3...
Here we post articles and news of interest regarding transit and transportation issues that affect the Puget Sound Region. If there are stories that you think deserve attention, or if you have news or information that you’d like to share, please contact us!
Sound Transit: Promises vs Reality
This presentation is a summary of what we consider the most important ways to measure what Sound Transit promised vs. what they are going to deliver, even by 2050.
Kent keeps its sidewalk promise to schoolchildren
SEATAC — Students are making their way to River Ridge Elementary on new sidewalks this fall, instead of risking their lives on the roadside next to cars and trucks. Unlike many public works jobs in the Puget Sound region, this one got done on time. The Kent School...
How BellHop, Bellevue’s all-electric shuttle service, is doing a month in
BellHop is Bellevue’s all-electric, free shuttle service, providing rides to and from any location within the roughly six-mile area of the city’s downtown core. The service launched Aug. 1 through a partnership with the shuttle company Circuit; the pilot program is...
Latest transportation stories from local papers
In the interest of providing the whole range of news regarding transportation and transit we are providing links to current articles and opinion pages. Smarter Transit does not necessarily agree with the views or info provided in all articles or op-eds.
Sound Transit News
- Sound Transit growth reflected in $90M in...by Mike Lindblom on November 18, 2017 at 2:00 pm
So far this year, Sound Transit’s governing board has approved five office leases totaling $90 million, underscoring the agency’s growth as a result of ST3.
- Train and transit talk: Highlights from reporter...by z-inactive-Tyler on November 10, 2017 at 12:52 am
Can Sound Transit projects be completed early? Will ST3 car tab fees come down? What impact will the Trump administration have on funding Seattle-area infrastructure? Mike Lindblom answered your transit-related questions.
- What can Sound Transit do to keep projects in the...by Seattle Times staff on November 8, 2017 at 2:00 pm
Transportation reporter Mike Lindblom answers your questions about the future of Sound Transit's light-rail projects, which are facing growing budget pressure from rising land values and construction costs.
- Sound Transit’s Lynnwood extension running...by Mike Lindblom on August 24, 2017 at 9:35 pm
The half-billion-dollar increase for the Sound Transit 2 Lynnwood line comes as a surprise for taxpayers, and officials will negotiate simpler designs with cities along the tracks.
- Here’s why your ST3 car tab fee is so highby Gina Cole and Daniel Beekman on March 17, 2017 at 1:00 pm
On episode 28 of The Overcast, Traffic Lab reporters Mike Lindblom and David Gutman get nerdy with us about Sound Transit 3 and the car tab fees that fund it.
- Sticker shock as much higher car-tab bills land...by David Gutman on February 17, 2017 at 7:43 pm
The state Department of Licensing is getting hit with calls from King, Pierce and Snohomish counties about increased car-tab fees that are just starting to go into effect following the passage of Sound Transit 3.
- Sound Transit moves fast to get deals on loans,...by Mike Lindblom on November 28, 2016 at 12:45 am
Sound Transit is making deals for $2.9 billion in federal loans, bond sales and grants while money is cheap.
- State senator calls for direct elections of Sound...by Mike Lindblom on November 18, 2016 at 1:38 am
Pierce County voters’ opposition to Sound Transit 3 has prompted state Sen. Steve O’Ban to propose direct elections of transit-board members.
- Where Sound Transit 3 projects could speed up or...by Mike Lindblom on November 14, 2016 at 2:00 pm
Political energy, less red tape or simpler design can speed projects. So can money, say, from the federal government. Disputes about track alignments, inaccurate cost forecasts, elaborate stations or tunnels, or a recession can create delays.
- Passing Sound Transit 3 boost for commuters, jobsby Jon Talton on November 12, 2016 at 4:00 pm
The Puget Sound region made a big step forward in transportation and the state advanced the condition of low-wage workers.
General Transportation News
- Judge upholds WA’s $17B transportation funding...by David Kroman on September 22, 2023 at 8:53 pm
A Thurston County judge Friday rejected a challenge to Washington’s $17 billion transportation funding package, passed in 2022, leaving in place the sweeping legislation that’s set to shape the state’s roads, bridges, ferries, transit and sidewalks for the next 15 years. The lawsuit, filed […]
- Northbound I-5 closed at Marysville after semi...by Jenn Smith on September 21, 2023 at 4:28 pm
A rollover in Marysville blocked I-5 northbound traffic Thursday morning and spilled a load of fish across the road.
- Prices skyrocket on WA transportation projects,...by David Kroman on September 21, 2023 at 1:00 pm
As lawmakers look toward a 15-year sprint to build out the state's highways, bridges and ferries, a worrisome trend is casting a shadow over their ambitions.
- Bellevue light-rail line isn’t open yet, but...by Mike Lindblom on September 20, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Sound Transit says a contractor’s floor-tile work at the South Bellevue Station must be redone quickly so an Eastside starter line can open in spring 2024.
- Stolen WSDOT asphalt truck goes up in flames...by GARRETT CABEZA on September 20, 2023 at 1:55 pm
A man is accused of shooting at a semitruck and stealing an asphalt truck before leading officers on a chase that ended with the truck in flames and the man in custody.
- New law would mandate construction, repair of...by David Kroman on September 19, 2023 at 5:00 pm
The bill would not transform sidewalks overnight. But it would force the issue, a City Council member says. Fixing all city sidewalks could cost $500 million to $1.3 billion.
- Another WA ferry out for at least a month,...by David Kroman on September 18, 2023 at 10:44 pm
Both the Bremerton and Bainbridge routes have lost capacity as the state system swaps ferries around to fill gaps — resembling a game of Tetris.
- West Seattle water taxi to keep all-day, weekend...by David Kroman on September 18, 2023 at 10:03 pm
What started as an experiment has resulted in ridership has remained strong enough to recommend permanent seven-day service.
- Wrong-way crash in Bothell leaves 2 dead, 1...by Seattle Times staff on September 16, 2023 at 4:26 pm
Two people died and one was injured after a car headed the wrong way on I-405 hit another car in Bothell early Saturday, according to Washington State Patrol.
- More WA ferry problems: Bainbridge service down...by David Kroman on September 15, 2023 at 10:55 pm
The issue with the Walla Walla appears to be its propeller.