Sound Transit in Seattle recently opened a request for information seeking feedback on strategies that use innovative technologies to reduce the cost or increase the delivery of ST3 projects in the planning phase. The request closes on Oct. 5.
Submitted strategies should complement the existing environmental review process and include expanded project analysis comparing not only cost but also passenger experience, service frequency, ridership capacity, operational and long-term maintenance implications and labor considerations. Strategies should avoid additional disruption or delay to any light rail projects currently underway.
“Sound Transit must exhaust every option when it comes to finding ways to reduce costs, speed up delivery, and bring new ideas to the table,” Girmay Zahilay, a Sound Transit board member, said. “We need to keep looking at every reasonable option to deliver the full promise of ST3, including light rail all the way to Market Street in Ballard.”
The Sound Transit Board adopted a resolution in May that updated the ST System Plan and directed Sound Transit to initiate this request.
“Delivering on the full vision of ST 3 will require the collective grit and ingenuity of the entire region,” Dave Somers, Sound Transit board chairman, said.
There are multiple ST3 projects in the planning stage.