Sound Transit Budget Plans Fail to Bring Rail to Ballard

The Sound Transit board met in Tacoma to discuss three possible plans to address a funding shortfall of $34.5 billion by 2046. All options fall short of providing light rail to 15th and Market Street in Ballard, where voters expected a connection in 2016. The board aims to adopt a new plan in May, but this schedule may change.

CEO Dow Constantine introduced the proposals as starting points for discussion. Key decisions include whether to delay the West Seattle Link Extension, which has federal support, or to postpone another line planned from South Kirkland to Issaquah, which has not begun planning.

The three scenarios all propose limiting Ballard Link to either Seattle Center or Smith Cove. Ballard Link is projected to cost over $17 billion, making it the most expensive of the new light rail projects. It is also expected to have the highest ridership, with between 90,000 and 147,000 daily users by 2046.

Seattle Councilmember Dan Strauss urged the board to include a route to Market Street, citing its importance for future ridership. He noted that Ballard had significant support for ST3 at the time of voting. King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci expressed concerns about past delays and the need for more reliable transit solutions. The board will continue to explore these options in the coming weeks.

How much do you know?

What is the funding shortfall amount discussed by the Sound Transit board?

$34.5 million

$34.5 billion

$17 billion

$10 billion

When does the board aim to adopt a new plan?

March

April

May

June

Which line has federal support?

West Seattle Link Extension

Ballard Link

South Kirkland to Issaquah

Northgate Link

How many daily users is Ballard Link projected to have by 2046?

75,000

80,000

90,000 to 147,000

200,000

Which councilmember stressed the importance of including a route to Market Street?

Claudia Balducci

Dow Constantine

Dan Strauss

The Sound Transit board

What is Ballard Link projected to cost?

$10 billion

$17 billion

$20 billion

$34.5 billion

The Sound Transit board met in Tacoma to discuss a funding shortfall of $34.5 million.

True False

All options discussed provide light rail to 15th and Market Street in Ballard.

True False

Dan Strauss is a Seattle Councilmember.

True False

Claudia Balducci is in favor of past delays in transit planning.

True False

The board plans to explore options in the coming weeks.

True False

Ballard Link is expected to have the lowest ridership among the new light rail projects.

True False

The funding shortfall is projected to be $34.5 billion by .

The board may postpone the line planned from South Kirkland to .

Ballard Link is projected to cost over $17 billion, making it the most expensive of the new light rail .

The expected ridership for Ballard Link is between 90,000 and 147,000 daily by 2046.

Councilmember Dan Strauss urged the board to include a route to Street.

The board aims to adopt a new plan in .

This question is required