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.
In Five Years Sound Transit Has Racked Up an Additional 50 Billion for Rail Plan
By Mariya Frost of the Washington Policy Center, May 10, 2022 Since 2017, Sound Transit’s full system expansion went from costing taxpayers $92 billion to an incredible $142 billion, and project completion was stretched from 2041 to 2046. That’s $50...
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!
Nation’s neglected bus stops pose early test for infrastructure money
Along much of the No. 94 route Stevens takes into the city, there are no shelters. That pattern is repeated across the country: Less than one-fifth of more than 122,000 bus stops served by 16 of the nation’s largest transit agencies have shelters, according to...
VTA approves $235 million San Jose BART extension contract — so why is it also reviewing its controversial design?
"The unanimous vote from the board puts the VTA in the unusual position of awarding a $235 million contract that moves forward with the extension’s “single-bore” tunnel plan, while simultaneously launching a new analysis of the contentious design." ...
Sound Transit’s light-rail project to the Eastside is running late
April 28, 2022 Seattle Times Article by Mike Lindblom "...managers blame construction errors, a concrete delivery strike, COVID-19, frayed supply chains and even bad weather." Most disturbing from the article is this: "Progress reports say the prime schedule risk...
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
- Body pulled from water hours after crash on Ship...by David Kroman and Christine Clarridge on May 24, 2022 at 1:26 pm
The body of a man ejected from his vehicle during a Tuesday morning collision on the Ship Canal Bridge was recovered from the water, according to the Washington State Patrol.
- Even with gas prices soaring, travelers are...by Christine Clarridge on May 23, 2022 at 2:18 pm
Even with WA gas prices up another 20 cents since last week, Americans are expected to hit the road in masses for Memorial Day. And Seattle is expected to be a top destination.
- ‘Sitting on a gold mine’: As change comes to...by Daniel Beekman on May 22, 2022 at 1:00 pm
With a light rail only two years away, Lynnwood residents and leaders are debating how and how much the suburb north of Seattle should grow.
- Seattle traffic deaths show no sign of slowing as...by David Kroman on May 21, 2022 at 1:00 pm
Gan Hao Li, 73, was fatally struck in Sodo as he rode his bike last week. More serious injuries and deaths occur on the streets there than anywhere else in Seattle.
- Seattle’s I-5 lane closures start this weekend;...by Mike Lindblom on May 20, 2022 at 2:30 pm
Most southbound I-5 lanes in Sodo will close this weekend to replace expansion joints. This is to be the first of 16 weekends of lane closures.
- Pedestrian critically injured in Seattle...by Mike Lindblom on May 20, 2022 at 12:22 am
A woman walking was seriously hurt when a light-rail train struck her at Othello Station.
- Nearly 43,000 people died on US roads last year,...by TOM KRISHER and HOPE YEN on May 17, 2022 at 3:04 pm
Nearly 43,000 people were killed on U.S. roads last year, the most in 16 years, as Americans returned to the highways after the pandemic forced many to stay at home.
- Aging gasoline storage tanks in WA pose...by David Kroman on May 16, 2022 at 1:00 pm
As Washington looks toward a more electric-powered future, it may also find itself reckoning with a gas-powered past: and the daunting cleanup of underground fuel tanks.
- FAQ: What you need to do now to keep your ORCA...by Mike Lindblom on May 16, 2022 at 1:00 pm
More than 175,000 Seattle-area transit customers must go to the new myorca.com website, or use other payment methods, to keep their fare cards working properly.
- Amtrak Cascades from Seattle to Vancouver, B.C.,...by Mike Lindblom on May 14, 2022 at 1:04 am
Amtrak says there aren't enough workers to restore the north corridor to its Cascades line yet.