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In early 2020, the Board launched a process called realignment to review options for addressing the significant affordability gap, most recently forecasted at $6.5 billion, affecting our future regional transit expansion projects that are not yet under construction.
On Thursday, Aug. 5, the Board adopted a new flexible framework to support moving forward with projects as rapidly as possible. Learn more about the Board’s action in our Platform blog post.
Whether you walk, roll, drive or take transit, the Auburn Station Parking and Access Improvements project will make getting to the station easier for all. While affordability-related delays are affecting a number of other important projects, the Board’s adopted framework prioritizes completion of this project, identifying 2025 as the timeframe for opening.
Based on remaining work and earlier delays, this is currently the earliest possible completion timeframe. To address existing cost pressures on the project, we’ll continue to evaluate options to balance costs and scope as we advance toward construction contract delivery, final design and construction.
Our next step is to prepare documentation for procurement of a contractor to complete the designs and construct the project. As part of this process, we will gather public input later this year about visual design – how the garage looks and fits into the community. We expect to have a contractor onboard as soon as 2023, and construction could start that year.
Learn more about the realignment process at soundtransit.org/realignment.
Questions? Please feel free to reach out to Melanie Mayock at melanie.mayock@soundtransit.org.
As we continue to increase transit service following reductions last year due to COVID-19, Sound Transit will be restoring two afternoon Sounder South trips on Sept. 20:
- Train 1507: 2:35 p.m. departure from Seattle to Tacoma
- Train 1520: 4:06 p.m. departure from Tacoma to Seattle
Our proposed 2022 Service Plan would build on that and bring Sounder South service back to pre-pandemic levels.
We need your feedback on the plan. Visit our online open house by Aug. 22 to share your priorities. You can also leave a comment via phone by calling 800-201-4900 / TTY:711 or emailing servicechanges@soundtransit.org, or join us at our virtual open house Aug. 11 at 6 p.m. or online public hearing Aug. 12 at 11 a.m. You’ll find the links for both events on the online open house page.
In March, Sound Transit implemented lower Sounder fares for ORCA LIFT passengers (low-income adults), youth (ages 6-18) and Regional Reduced Fare Permit holders (seniors age 65+ and riders with disabilities).
This reduction makes Sounder more accessible and brings Sounder fares in line with Link light rail and ST Express bus fares for these passenger groups.
New fares:
Watch for future project updates. Forward this to your friends, family, neighbors and people in your community! Encourage them to subscribe.
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