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 looks to transform Third Avenue from transit-only to inviting ‘front door’
Seattle’s Third Avenue is known primarily for two things: transit and disorder. After years — decades, even — of effort to control the latter, city leaders have begun to wonder whether rethinking the former might help. Read the article...
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!
Crews repair issue that shut down Link light rail service between U District, Northgate
SEATTLE — Just before 9 p.m., Sound Transit tweeted that repairs were completed after a mechanical issue caused a power outage and shut down the Link 1 line service between the University District and Northgate going northbound. Hundreds of commuters had their...
Sound Transit goes all-in on a gentler kind of fare enforcement
Sep. 2, 2022 at 6:00 am Updated Sep. 2, 2022 at 6:55 pm After two years of not enforcing payment, Sound Transit will bring back spot checks of passengers by deploying “fare ambassadors” who educate nonpaying riders and issue lighter penalties — a new strategy leaders...
Planning for Delridge light rail highlights displacement risks up and down the line
Aug. 20, 2022 “How can you, Sound Transit board, choose a route that destroys a child care center and an agency that serves people with disabilities?” resident Lucy Barefoot asked at a recent meeting. “They are the very same people you’re building this light...
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
- Paratransit drivers want better pay as they serve...by Daisy Zavala Magaña on October 7, 2022 at 1:41 pm
Drivers are pressing for better wages, and medical benefits, and to remind the public of the role they play in helping elderly and disabled residents get around.
- Tips for dealing with Seattle-area weekend...by Mike Lindblom on October 6, 2022 at 7:41 pm
Construction crews this weekend will block the entrance lanes to I-5 from I-90, as expansion joint replacements continue.
- Buttigieg wades into Northwest salmon...by Mike Lindblom on October 6, 2022 at 12:00 pm
As Washington state spends $3.5 billion freeing rivers and creeks from highway blockages, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg leverages the work to boost local Democrats.
- Highway 2 closes for removal of tree damaged by...by Amanda Zhou on October 5, 2022 at 6:07 pm
Highway 2 is closed until 6 p.m. Wednesday from mile markers 44 to 50, so crews can remove a hazardous tree damaged by the Bolt Creek Fire.
- Construction of new Green Lake boathouse detours...by Daisy Zavala Magaña on October 5, 2022 at 2:00 pm
The 10,800-square-foot boathouse is slated to open this fall, according to Seattle Parks. Construction will also close the parking lot behind the Aqua Theater.
- Following dramatic jump in traffic deaths, Pierce...by David Kroman on October 5, 2022 at 1:00 pm
As traffic fatalities rise across Washington state, the loss of a 13-year-old boy riding his bike in a crosswalk and a 34% increase in road deaths is leading the county to seek change.
- WA faces an epidemic of inaccessible sidewalksby David Kroman on October 3, 2022 at 1:00 pm
A Seattle Times review of over 30 cities' and counties' assessments found no jurisdiction where even 50% of roads and sidewalks comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Highway 2 remains open but brief, intermittent...by Lauren Rosenblatt on October 2, 2022 at 11:42 pm
Cl;osures occur when "unburnt pockets" close to the road ignite.
- WA state ferries free for people 18 and under...by Christine Clarridge on September 30, 2022 at 2:18 pm
Starting Saturday, trips on Washington state ferries will be free for children and teens 18 and under. Here's what to know.
- This weekend, it’s Highway 520 that will close...by Mike Lindblom on September 29, 2022 at 1:00 pm
Construction at the Montlake interchange will close the Highway 520 floating bridge all weekend, after last weekend's mess at the I-90 bridge.