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Members of the public in attendance at the April 14th town hall on the Future of Light Rail in Snohomish County hosted by Transportation Choices Coalition in partnership with Snotrac
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Sound Transit Board adopts updated ST3 System Plan
On May 28, the Sound Transit Board adopted an updated ST3 System Plan to guide the next phase of transit expansion projects across the region. This action established a sustainable path forward to address an estimated $34.5 billion gap in the agency’s financial plan over the next 20 years and deliver the voter-approved ST3 program.
The updated plan keeps projects moving forward with available funding while Sound Transit works to pursue cost savings, additional funding opportunities, and project delivery efficiencies to advance the ST3 program.
For a quick overview of the updated ST3 System Plan, check out The Platform blog or dive into the full details in Resolution R2026-11.
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What does this mean for the Everett Link Extension project?
Under the updated System Plan adopted by the Board, the Everett Link Extension is fully funded for planning, design, and construction. Light rail service is planned to open in two phases:
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Phase 1 (2037): Service will extend from Lynnwood City Center Station to SW Everett Industrial Center Station.
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Phase 2 (2041): Service will extend to the two northernmost stations, SR 526/Evergreen and Everett Station.
The station planned for SR 99/Airport Road is still identified as provisional. This means it is currently funded through environmental review, but not yet for final design and construction.
The updated System Plan also includes full funding for Operations and Maintenance Facility North, which is slated to open ahead of the light rail extension, in 2034. The facility is necessary for storing light rail vehicles and supporting the rest of the regional system and future service to Everett.
The plan defers parking facilities at Mariner and Everett Stations until other resources can be identified. If additional funding from other parties becomes available, the Board will consider allocating agency resources to advance delivery.
Connect with our engagement team at local events this summer!
This summer, you can find our team at information booths at community events across the project corridor. These events provide an opportunity to connect with project staff, learn more about the Everett Link Extension, ask questions, and share your feedback.
We invite you to stop by and visit us at one of the following events:
We look forward to seeing you! Check our events calendar for more information and new events as we add them.
Everett Link Extension Draft Environmental Impact Statement is coming this fall
We are putting the finishing touches on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and anticipate publishing it this fall. The Draft EIS explores how different project alternatives could affect the physical, natural, and human environment and how we reduce those effects where feasible. It also allows you to compare the options and offer suggestions to shape light rail access in your community. Once the Draft EIS is published, we will open a 45-day public comment period where you can share your feedback. Make sure you're signed up for our mailing list to hear about the official publication date, upcoming public meetings, and ways to participate during the comment period.
Stay up to date!
We encourage you to follow us on Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram @SoundTransit and forward email updates like this to family, friends, neighbors, and your community! Expanding light rail to Snohomish County is new for many community members and we're trying to reach as many people as possible. Your voice matters, and we hope you stay engaged with this project as it moves forward.
We are happy to meet with community groups to provide more information about the project. Please reach out to us at everettlink@soundtransit.org to request a briefing.
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