Sound Transit Advocacy

Sound Transit Background

• Sound Transit is the regional public transit agency serving the central Puget Sound region.
• Sound Transit operates multiple transit modes, including light rail, commuter rail, and express bus service.
• Governed by an 18-member Board of Directors, Renton City Councilmember Ed Prince holds a seat on the Board (2020-Present)
• Implementing Sound Transit 3 (ST3), which is the voter-approved ballot measure (2016) to expand the Puget Sound’s mass transit network
• Enterprise Initiative addresses the $34.5B budget deficit. Board vote slated for May 28, 2026.

ST3 Program Projects in Renton:

• Stride BRT (bus rapid transit)
  • S1 Line is anticipated to begin service in 2028
• Renton Transit Center (formerly South Renton Transit Center)
  • Located at the former Sound Ford site (Rainier/Grady)
  • $55 Million Cost
  • Project broke ground in February 2026 and is expected to be completed in 2028
• Renton Transit Center Parking Garage
  • Originally deferred to 2034 completion in Sound Transit's Realignment process (2021)
  • Estimated cost of $100 Million
• NE 44th Street Park-and-Ride
  • Deferred to 2034 in Sound Transit’s Realignment process (2021)
  • City has identified a public partnership to reduce the cost to $22.5M, down from $40M
• Renton High-Capacity Transit (HCT) Study for Light Rail from Renton to West Seattle
  • Exploring potential for future light rail linkage between Tukwila station and location in Renton, linking Renton to West Seattle

Sound Transit's Financial Challenges

Sound Transit is facing a $34.5 billion shortfall through 2046. Financial projections show ST3 will face significant pressure in the 2030's as major construction is scheduled to begin.

What is driving these costs?

• Escalating construction costs
• Complex projects
  • Ex. Second Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel Project
• Declining revenues

How will they close this gap?

• Enterprise Initiative
• New revenue tools
• Creative project solutions and partnerships

The Enterprise Initiative is a process led by Sound Transit to address significant financial constraints and the shifting delivery timelines for the ST3 program. The goal is to achieve long-term affordability while delivering on the plan's major projects. The projects within ST3 could face major delays, shortened distances, or a phased-in delivery timeline.

Potential Impacts to Renton

• There isn't an impact on funding for Stride S1 BRT or the construction of the Renton Transit Center (RTC)
• There is the potential for an indefinite deferral of RTC Parking Garage and the NE 44th Street Park-and-Ride
• Creation of a new Regional Parking Fund to underwrite future parking projects
• There is no impact projected for the full funding of the High-Capacity Transit Study for Light Rail from Renton to West Seattle
• No impact to the planning and design funding for the Boeing Access Road Infill Station project - however, there is not dedicated funding for construction

Renton's Past and Future Advocacy

Renton residents have contributed roughly $681 million in taxes over the past decade to Sound Transit, yet the city has only seen limited Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) investment.

Mayor Armondo Pavone's administration has prioritized advocacy for Renton's position within the regional landscape. The city has developed collaborative, innovative solutions to advance Sound Transit projects. This approach ensures the best outcome for Renton residents and best serves the city's role as a regional transportation hub connecting the Eastside, Seattle, and South King County.

Now, Mayor Pavone, Councilmember Prince, and city staff are working with neighboring cities, Sound Transit, and partner agencies to identify potential avenues to restore funding for Renton’s projects.