Summary

Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff shared ST3 plan details and the current status of projects in the south sound region at King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer’s March “Good Eggs” breakfast.

Story

Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff joined South King County civic and business leaders to discuss the implementation of the $54 billion ST3 plan and the current status of projects in the south sound region at King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer’s March “Good Eggs” breakfast.

Rogoff and his staff gave an overview of the future projects coming to South King County in both ST2 and ST3, currently the largest transit expansion in the United States.  In 2023-2024, Sound Transit will be opening 17 new stations across 3 separate lines, including stations in Kent and Federal Way.  The Tacoma Dome Link Extension, will bring even more light rail stations to the south sound (South Federal Way, Fife, East Tacoma, and Tacoma Dome) in 2030.  Sound Transit’s “Sounder” commuter rail service also remains popular, with approximately 15% growth in ridership year-over-year.

The agency does face some headwinds, as Rogoff highlighted.  Despite having the best credit rating of any transit agency in the country, Sound Transit must grapple with increasing capital construction costs, debates in Olympia about the motor vehicle excise tax which Sound Transit relies on for funding, and changing federal policies regarding the appropriation of transit grants.  Nevertheless, Rogoff remains optimistic about the agency’s future.

Photo caption: Peter Rogoff with South King County civic leaders at Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer’s monthly “Good Eggs” breakfast meeting.

Photo L to R: Federal Way Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tammy Campbell, Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer