Sound Transit 2: Why we need it

More transit options may be coming your way. Last week, the Sound Transit board of directors decided to move a measure to this November’s ballot that will ask the region if they want to fund a significant expansion of bus and rail service.

Since last year’s defeat of Proposition 1, the roads and transit proposal, we have heard that residents want more transit options; they want service delivered faster and cheaper. Whereas Proposition 1 proposed funding for roads expansion and improvements, Sound Transit 2 is focused solely on transit, i.e. light rail, commuter rail and regional bus service. This will decrease the cost from last year’s proposal by 50 percent. The cost to taxpayers: an increase of one-half of a penny of sales tax for every $10 purchase. That equals about $69 a year per adult; roughly the cost of one tank of gas.

This transit package will add 34 more miles of light rail, stretching from Federal Way to Lynnwood and across Interstate 90, to Redmond, creating a total of 59 miles. Sound Transit’s regional bus fleet will increase by 25 percent, allowing other transit agencies to redeploy buses to service-strapped areas. The ever-popular Sounder commuter rail service between Seattle and Tacoma will increase from its current service level of 6 round trips a day to 13 round trips by the end of Sound Transit 2.

What does all this mean for South King County? Light rail will be extended from the airport along the Interstate 5/Highway 99 corridor to the northern border of Federal Way. Three new light-rail stations will be constructed serving South King County residents: at South 200th in SeaTac, Highline Community College in Des Moines, and the northern boarder of Federal Way at South 272nd Street. Bus service will increase throughout South King County, moving people from suburban cities to job centers. Each Sounder commuter train will get an additional car adding 140 seats. Trains will run more frequently and stop at new or improved stations in Auburn, Kent and Tukwila. These stations will receive improved access from projects tailored to each station’s needs. Projects could include expanded parking, trail access, and drop-off areas.

In preparation for the vote to place Sound Transit 2 on the ballot, I went through serious soul searching. On one hand, I thought about the economy and the additional tax burden. Many critics of Sound Transit 2 have said that the timing is not right, the economy is shaky. While I agree that our economy is less stable than in the past, I don’t believe that it is our role, as a board, to stand in the way of letting the voters decide. Let the people choose if they believe the benefits of the service outweigh the burden of a sales tax increase.

On the other hand, I thought about the ongoing need to find a solution to our congestion problem. I also considered the immediate desire for additional transit options that high gas prices have created. People expect that their elected leaders are going to solve today’s problems, while keeping an eye toward the future. This plan satisfies the immediate need by providing a 16 percent expansion of bus service, while extending commuter and light rail for a more populated future.

With more people living here, our congestion is only going to get worse. By introducing more congestion-free rail service, we will be able to redeploy buses that are currently strained. Buses will be used to complement rail, we will then be able to expand the overall reach of our transit system and offer access to underserved communities.

As regional leaders, we have an obligation to our citizens of today as well as to their grandchildren. We have a responsibility past our next election, beyond our own lives. We have a responsibility to the residents of King, Pierce and Snohomish County to act now for tomorrow’s benefit.

Besides chairing the Board of Health, Julia Patterson of SeaTac is chair of the King County Council. Her Fifth District includes Kent. She can be reached at 206-296-1005.