As the final Environmental Impact Statement for the next part of ST3 from Sound Tranist grows more imminent, a group of transportation experts and community advocates are raising serious concerns about Sound Transit's ambitious light rail expansion plans, particularly the proposed extensions into West Seattle and Ballard. SmarterTransit.org, a coalition of former transportation professionals and concerned citizens, argues that the $148 billion, 29-year program is fundamentally misaligned with the region's needs and demographics.

They are joined by West Seattle based ReThinkTheLink.org (RTTL) in opposing the construction of the West Seattle Link Extension who argue that the federally mandated "No Build" option is a better choice. A spokesperson for RTTL who wished to remain anonymous said,“While we don’t completely share the level of opposition to the full ST3 plan that SmarterTransit has, we do want to emphasize that we too favor a more bus rapid transit oriented solution over light rail. We agree with the goal of providing better more equitable transit solutions for West Seattle. We just believe that the No Build option is a better more responsible choice financially, and for social equity.”

They also state that the construction itself would have damaging effects on West Seattle. 

They say that "Freight, public & private transit, and emergency services face years of productivity losses & extra costs during the 5-8 years of construction."

"The West Seattle light rail extension fails on all three dimensions of sustainability -- environment, economics, and equity. There are better ways to spend public transit dollars for a fraction of the cost. King County Metro using electric buses could make public transit world class throughout the West Seattle peninsula."

RTTL said they they are planning an announcement of some kind for mid September ahead of the final EIS from Sound Transit.

Some history would help. In 1992, the Washington State Legislature authorized any two or more contiguous counties with populations of 400,000 or more to create a regional transit authority to address traffic congestion. Following that the legislative bodies of the counties of Snohomish, King, and Pierce each passed a resolution establishing Sound Transit (officially known as the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority). It was invested with the authority to design and implement a high capacity transportation system. 

Maggie Fimia, writer and Co-Chair of SmarterTransit.org, and a public policy expert maintains that Resolution 75, which was drawn up by Sound Transit, gave them the authority to pursue any path and make any changes they like with no public oversight. It states in part, “WHEREAS, the Board is authorized, pursuant to RCW 81.112.040(2), RCW 81.11.070, and Resolution 75 to modify the System Plan as necessary to implement the system and develop revenues therefore…"

Victor Bishop, who holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering with a specialty in Transportation Engineering and is a retired traffic engineer and founder of Transportation Planning and Engineering Inc., speaking during an interview with Smarter Transit offered comments against what he sees as a misguided investment. "We're spending an enormous amount of money on light rail that is totally inappropriate for our Puget Sound region," Bishop stated. He points to the area's lack of population density as a key factor, arguing that successful rail transit systems require far higher concentrations of residents and employment centers than the Seattle area can provide.

SmarterTransit's primary concerns include:

1. Lack of Accountability: Sound Transit's 18-member appointed board structure is criticized for not providing direct accountability to voters. Bishop and his colleagues are calling for a legislative change to create an elected board with district representation.
2. Questionable Ridership Projections: Despite decades of investment in transit, the percentage of trips taken by public transportation in the region has actually decreased from 7% in 1965 to 5% today. SmarterTransit.org argues that Sound Transit's projections of future ridership growth are overly optimistic.
3. Cost-Effectiveness: The organization advocates for reallocating funds to expand bus rapid transit and other flexible "rubber tire" solutions, which they claim could provide better service at a fraction of the cost of light rail.
4. Environmental Impact: Contrary to claims of environmental benefits, the group argues that the massive construction required for light rail expansion will create a carbon footprint that would take centuries to offset.
5. Community Disruption: Local residents, like Kim Schwarzkopf from West Seattle, express concern about the negative impacts on neighborhoods, including home demolitions, tree removal, and parking issues.

Fimia emphasizes the need for a broader public discussion. "We need to have a real conversation in this region about what problem we're trying to solve and what are the viable alternatives," she stated.

John Niles SmarterTransit Co-Chair, Research Associate, Mineta Transportation Institute, San Jose State University and Project Lead, Smarter Transit’s New Mobility Concepts Team commented on the environmental impact of the project saying, "The vehicle miles of driving saved by the West Seattle light rail extension -- saved in today's cars not tomorrow's cars, which will be more electrified--would not compensate for the GHG (Greenhouse Gas) generated in the short term by the construction -- depending on the route selected -- for 35 to 123 years.  Because of likely changes in vehicle technology, this conclusion basically makes the extension a negative for the climate."

The Seattle Transit Blog published a story HERE regarding alternatives to the West Seatte light rail expansion.

Niles also authored an alternative plan to ST3 linked here.

The group is calling for an immediate pause to ST3 (Sound Transit 3) planning, an independent performance audit of Sound Transit, and a reevaluation of the region's transportation needs in light of changing work patterns post-COVID.

As the debate continues, SmarterTransit.org urges residents to contact their state legislators immediately and push for changes to Sound Transit's governing structure and a reconsideration of the light rail expansion plans. 

The final Environmental Impact Statement is due in the coming weeks. After it's issued, there will be a 30 day comment period allowed from the public.

You can see the Seattle Design Commission details for the plans for the link HERE.

Sound Transit was asked for comment on these issues and had not responded as of 5pm Sept. 3

RethinktheLink.org provided a video, linked below that depicts a simulated ride from the SODO station at 5th and Lander to the Alaska Station in West Seattle. They included the following disclaimer:

"WARNING!  This will be your Sound Transit light rail ride to West Seattle from downtown.  Except, everything in a 60 foot wide path you see here will be destroyed over 6-8 years of construction and pollution. The project will bulldoze the green spaces, the businesses, the homes and the roads.  And It will cost the public about $4 BILLION — or about $264,000 per predicted rider the day it opens.