Link light rail on an elevated track with dramatic clouds behind

What's Happening Now

Sound Transit Board considers updated light rail expansion plan

Room with about 100 people sitting and listening to people speaking at the front of the room. One person holds signs that say "Save Light Rail to Graham Street" and "Save Ballard Light Rail"

Community members gather for the Sound Transit Executive Committee meeting

At Sound Transit’s Executive Committee meeting on May 7, Board Chair Somers presented a resolution to update light rail expansion plans and address a long-term funding gap. Here is the full resolution, presentation, and some key points for the people of Seattle:

Light rail to be built using existing resources

Light rail projects to be fully designed but not built using existing resources

Under this resolution, Sound Transit would need to bring in additional money or find more savings to build Graham St Station and light rail to Ballard. This means people may wait longer for service, but Sound Transit has not yet shared when these projects would be built.

Mayor Wilson, Councilmember Strauss, Councilmember Mosqueda, and Executive Zahilay continue to advocate for Seattle light rail in their roles on the Sound Transit Board. In particular, they are committed to building Graham St Station and getting light rail to Ballard. There are dozens of ways to further reduce costs, increase revenue, and finance light rail – and they will continue to push for those solutions, even if Board Chair Somers’ resolution is passed.

“Adopting this system plan is a starting point – not an end point,” says Mayor Wilson. “The work doesn’t stop until we fully deliver – build to Ballard and finish Graham.”

Community voices

A group of about 50 people stand in a semi-circle listening to a person singing and playing the guitar. Many people hold signs that say things like: "Save Graham St Station." Behind the people a light rail train passes by.

Community members gather to rally for Graham St Station and the Boeing Access Road at one of several community-organized events in support of light rail

Thank you to all of the community members who have organized and attended events, spoken at Sound Transit Board meetings, and shared comments and stories with Board members.

You can continue to share your thoughts with Mayor Wilson, Executive Zahilay, Councilmember Strauss, and King County Councilmember Mosqueda. The Board plans to vote on Board Chair Somers’ resolution and an updated system plan on May 28.  

About the Expansion

Sound Transit is building 13 new and expanded light rail stations with service to West Seattle in 2032 and Ballard in 2039. The West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions (WSBLE) include a new transit tunnel under Downtown and two water crossings. It is the largest transit investment in our city’s history.

Additional Stations
• Pinehurst Station
• Graham Street Station
• Boeing Access Road Station

Why Light Rail? 

Benefits of expanding light rail

  • reduces traffic congestion
  • improves air quality, environmental sustainability
  • attracts new businesses and residents
  • revitalizes neighborhoods
  • adds rapid, reliable and efficient high-capacity service
  • enhances mobility, especially for those who depend on transit

How light rail differs from bus transit

  • greater capacity
  • improved reliability with dedicated travel space
  • economic development potential

Light Rail map expansion running from Ballard, through Interbay, through Downtown Seattle, The International District, Stadium District and then over to West Seattle

Please refer to Sound Transit's website for details on project delivery dates.

Map graphic: Sound Transit

Sound Transit and the City are working together to create a more connected, more productive region by making it easier and safer for people to take transit to jobs, housing, and the many opportunities the Seattle area offers. — Goran Sparrman, Interim CEO, Sound Transit

How the City and Sound Transit Work Together

Aerial graphic looking at a drawing of a station and surrounding neighborhood. The Station is colored and says "Sound Transit", the section just a few blocks around says "Station Context: Sound Transit and City of Seattle" and the area a few miles around show "Station Area: City of Seattle"

City of Seattle

Sound Transit
Leads the design and construction of street improvements to make it safer to travel to and from the light rail stations in Seattle  Leads the design and construction of the West Seattle Light Rail Extension and Ballard Light Rail Extension, known as Sound Transit 3 (ST3)
Manages arterial and residential street use and maintenance in the City of Seattle  Operates the light rail system in Seattle and throughout the region
Updates city codes to align permit requirements with city environmental goals Manages the siting for light rail stations and track alignments
Ensures compliance with city codes and permit requirements Discusses mitigation efforts with property and business owners
Develops transit-oriented design around the station Develops transit-oriented design at the station
Engages stakeholders and the public about its areas of responsibility Engages stakeholders and the public about its areas of responsibility
Overseen by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), the Mayor, and City Council Overseen by the CEO and Board of Sound Transit

Transportation

Angela Brady, Acting Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 3800, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34996, Seattle, WA, 98124-4996
Phone: (206) 684-7623
684-Road@seattle.gov

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The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is on a mission to deliver a transportation system that provides safe and affordable access to places and opportunities for everyone as we work to achieve our vision of Seattle as a thriving, equitable community powered by dependable transportation.