Sound Transit is weighing a set of “cost-cutting approaches” that could “defer” planned light rail expansions to Ballard and West Seattle, and is now seeking public input on how to adjust its plans as costs continue to rise. The agency estimates it faces a $34.5 billion shortfall in delivering the full scope of the voter-approved Sound Transit 3 (ST3) package. That program includes light rail extensions to West Seattle, Ballard, Tacoma, and Everett, along with new connections between South Kirkland and Issaquah, among other improvements.
At a board retreat in March, three cost-reduction strategies were presented, but none would fully deliver the originally proposed lines to Ballard or West Seattle, according to the agency’s presentation materials. A glossary included in the board’s presentation clarified that “defer” is defined as follows: “Project is maintained in the ST3 program, but no or limited funding is allocated, and the project will advance as funding becomes available.”
As part of efforts to reshape a workable ST3 plan, Sound Transit has launched a short survey to better understand rider priorities. The agency says the questionnaire takes about five minutes to complete, though it has not announced a deadline for responses.
In the survey’s introduction, Sound Transit explains that it “is working to reduce the impact of historic inflation, tariffs, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and other factors on its ability to plan, build, and deliver transit to the region.”
Participants are asked to rank future investments—such as “expanding Link light rail” and “increasing parking”—from highest to lowest priority. Another section asks respondents to evaluate cost-saving strategies, ranging from “exploring partnerships with the private sector” to “delaying or canceling projects.” While the survey does not identify specific projects that might be postponed or eliminated, it does include an option for open-ended feedback.
Under the current timeline, if no delays occur, light rail service is expected to reach West Seattle by 2032 and Ballard by 2039.
You can take the rider priority survey here.