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.
Wetlands bridge adds delay and $72 million to light-rail project
Sound Transit passengers will have to wait until 2026 to ride light rail between SeaTac and Federal Way, because contractors must build a 500-foot-long bridge over unstable wetland soil. Transit staff reported Thursday that this new elevated trackway design, in a Kent...
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 extends its winning streak of premier credit, easy money
In a year of tight money, Sound Transit is poised to accept another $327 million in federal loans this week, at bargain rates most people can only dream about. The feds offered this money to the Hilltop Tacoma Link streetcar extension, the Northeast 130th Street...
How a demolition crew punctured the Westlake Station ceiling
It’s easy to understand how a demolition crew on a Pine Street sidewalk, while trying to remove a clock base, wound up puncturing the roof of Westlake Station. The top of the station begins only 3 feet deep. Not only that, but the clock’s foundation was integrated...
Contractor blames red tape for Tacoma light-rail project delay
TACOMA — Why isn’t the Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension already carrying passengers? A grand opening for the 2.4-mile, six-station streetcar project is likely to occur in late August, compared to its May 2022 target, at an estimated $283 million, including $65 million in...
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
- Car crash kills one in Seattle’s Central...by Mike Lindblom on June 3, 2023 at 2:51 am
The fatal crash happened just before 6 p.m. Friday near Judkins Park in Seattle, police say.
- Saturday service starts this weekend on Kitsap...by David Kroman on June 2, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Outside of the summer, the boats normally only operate during the week around commuter hours.
- Drivers beware: Slowdowns ahead everywhere, led...by Mike Lindblom on June 2, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Here's your guide to summer road construction in and around Seattle — what will hurt now and what's supposed to get better.
- Inslee rebuffs tribes seeking relief after WA...by Daniel Beekman and Isabella Breda on June 2, 2023 at 12:50 am
Gov. Jay Inslee rebuffed a request from the Lummi Nation and other Native American tribes for an exemption from climate laws that have driven up gas prices.
- Northbound I-5 reopens after semitruck crash in...by Vonnai Phair on June 1, 2023 at 1:49 pm
Washington State Patrol, WSDOT and West Pierce Fire and Rescue responded to remove debris on I-5 after a semitruck crash.
- U.S. safety agency to require automatic emergency...by TOM KRISHER and ASHRAF KHALIL on May 31, 2023 at 3:52 pm
The U.S. government’s auto safety agency plans to require that all new passenger cars and light trucks include potentially life-saving automatic emergency braking and meet stricter safety standards within three years.
- As WA State Ferries cancellations, delays...by David Kroman, Mike Lindblom and Vonnai Phair on May 30, 2023 at 2:11 pm
After a weekend of restricted, delayed and canceled sailings, ferry traffic was restored to a mostly normal state. But the issues reveal the system's fragility.
- Hopes for a downtown Seattle streetcar find new...by David Kroman on May 30, 2023 at 1:00 pm
The should-we, shouldn’t-we of whether and how to build a streetcar through downtown has dogged City Hall for close to a decade.
- Can a new bike path on Seattle’s waterfront...by David Kroman on May 28, 2023 at 1:00 pm
As the $750 million waterfront overhaul nears completion, Alaskan Way from Pier 62 to Pier 70 threatens to become a chasm into which cycles and scooters will fall.
- Memorial Day weekend starts with San Juan ferry...by Brendan Kiley on May 27, 2023 at 3:38 pm
Crew shortages at Washington State Ferries have scuttled at least 11 runs to the San Juans Saturday morning, potentially fouling holiday weekend plans.