Our Solution
Demand transparency and efficiency
End unnecessary delays and costs
Deliver on voter promises
Reform Sound Transit
Sound Transit is failing to deliver the transit infrastructure we need on time, on budget, and at the quality voters approved. With delays spanning decades and costs inflating by the billions, the need for systemic reform is undeniable.
Comparative Failures
The stark contrast in efficiency can be seen in other cities. While Montreal launched the Réseau Express Métropolitain in 2015 and had the first segment open by 2023 at just $141 million per mile, Sound Transit's West Seattle project has yet to break ground, with costs quadrupled.
Sound Transit takes a uniquely long time to complete environmental reviews, with 8 years for the West Seattle extension. In contrast, SkyTrain in Vancouver completed its environmental review in just 18 months.
Missed Opportunities
Sound Transit and the City of Tukwila engaged in a contentious multi-year negotiation for the routing of the initial light rail segment from Downtown to SeaTac Airport.
Despite a route serving a station at South 144th via Tukwila International Boulevard being cheaper, faster, and approved by voters, Tukwila successfully lobbied to reroute the line to Interstate 5. The City decided preserving the existing land use - a Jack-in-the-Box, gas station, and empty parking lots - provided greater value than a direct connection to Downtown Seattle and SeaTac Airport.
The City of Tukwila rerouted light rail to save the area's economic vitality. Twenty-five years later, much remains unchanged.
Path to Reform
To achieve the region's economic, sustainability, and equity goals, the Washington State Legislature must take action:
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Audit Sound Transit to uncover decision-making failures that lead to these delays and skyrocketing costs.
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Review authority and partnership opportunities with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to leverage existing powers and streamline processes.
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Commission a Blue Ribbon Committee to bring in experts on infrastructure and explore new strategies for fast, cost-effective, and high-quality project delivery statewide.