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.
Seattle will give free transit cards to all public housing residents
An estimated 10,000 people will receive the black farecards at an estimated cost to taxpayers of $2.2 million per year, city staff said. Mayor Bruce Harrell, Seattle Department of Transportation Director Greg Spotts, and SHA Executive Director Rod Brandon announced...
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!
Light-rail train hits pedestrian in Rainier Valley
A Sound Transit train struck a pedestrian on the 1 Line tracks in Rainier Valley early Sunday, causing serious injuries. In the 1 Line’s history, 30 pedestrians have been struck while crossing or walking in the rails between 2009 and mid-2022, among 168 total crashes...
Lynnwood or Bellevue: Which city should get light-rail service first?
By Mike Lindblom Seattle Times staff reporter Last summer, an Eastside starter line looked like a straightforward solution to light-rail construction delays. Sound Transit could open eight stations by spring 2024 to whisk riders across Bellevue, until...
Traffic deaths in WA outpaced national toll in 2022, early data shows
When Seattle hired a consultant to design a downtown streetcar line, the initial contract totaled $1.85 million. Four years and 11 amendments later, the cost had grown to $14.3 million. Today, the line has yet to be built and the contract is among several now...
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
- Eastbound I-90 reopened in Seattle after...by Daisy Zavala Magaña on January 27, 2023 at 2:34 am
Officials cleared a collision that caused delays for some commuters on eastbound Interstate 90 Thursday evening.
- What Seattle police have said about pedestrian...by Seattle Times staff on January 26, 2023 at 9:16 pm
Police have shared few details about the moments leading to the death of a 23-year-old woman struck by a police vehicle Monday night.
- Seattle to resume late fees for unpaid parking,...by Vonnai Phair on January 26, 2023 at 5:39 pm
Seattle Municipal Court will resume charging late fees for unpaid tickets, after suspending them early in the pandemic.
- What new federal money will mean for WA ferriesby Mike Lindblom on January 26, 2023 at 2:00 pm
The Federal Transit Administration says it will send millions to develop passenger ferry and electric-power improvements on Puget Sound.
- Three pedestrians taken to hospital after...by Amanda Zhou on January 25, 2023 at 11:15 pm
A driver hit three pedestrians on Rainier Avenue South on Tuesday afternoon.
- Seattle will give free transit cards to all...by Mike Lindblom on January 25, 2023 at 1:45 am
An estimated 10,000 people will receive zero-fare ORCA cards at an estimated cost to taxpayers of $2.2 million per year, according to the city of Seattle.
- I-5 drivers stewed in Everett roadwork delaysby Mike Lindblom on January 23, 2023 at 9:05 pm
Despite advance publicity, drivers clogged I-5 entering Everett during weekend roadwork, amid a lack of detours and roadway signs.
- Light-rail train hits pedestrian in Rainier Valleyby Mike Lindblom on January 23, 2023 at 8:46 pm
Thirty pedestrians have been struck crossing or walking in Sound Transit's 1 Line rails, as of mid-2022.
- WA lawmakers take aim at vehicle dwellers and...by Amanda Zhou on January 23, 2023 at 2:00 pm
The state wants clarity after a Washington Supreme Court decision a year ago confused jurisdictions enforcing parking rules as well as homeless people living in vehicles.
- Northbound I-5 fully reopens after repairsby Lauren Girgis on January 23, 2023 at 3:48 am
All but one lane of northbound I-5 was closed on Friday for a major pavement replacement project.