Sound Transit 3

{{short description|Transit referendum in the Seattle metropolitan area}}

{{Infobox referendum

| name = Sound Transit 3

| title = Sound Transit (A Regional Transit Authority) Light-Rail, Commuter-Rail, and Bus Service Expansion Proposition No. 1{{cite web |date=June 23, 2016 |title=Sound Transit Resolution No. R2016-17 |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/Resolution%20R2016-17_0.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226061714/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/Resolution%20R2016-17_0.pdf |archive-date=February 26, 2018 }}

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| location = Seattle, Washington

| date = {{Start date|2016|11|08}}

| yes = 717,116

| no = 609,608

| valid = 1,326,724

| invalid = 112,437

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Sound Transit 3, abbreviated as ST3, was a ballot measure during the November 2016 elections in Seattle, Washington, proposing an expansion of the regional public transit system. The measure was proposed by Sound Transit, which was established by a similar initiative passed in 1996 and expanded by the Sound Transit 2 vote in 2008, who have operated regional transit systems in the Seattle metropolitan area since 1999. On November 8, 2016, Sound Transit 3 was approved by over 54 percent of voters in the Puget Sound region; voters in Pierce County rejected the measure, but the measure passed in King and Snohomish counties, and had an overall majority.

The $53.8 billion Sound Transit 3 plan will expand the existing Link light rail system to the suburbs of Tacoma, Federal Way, Everett and Issaquah, as well as the Seattle neighborhoods of Ballard and West Seattle. The local portion of the measure would be partially funded by increases in sales tax, motor vehicle excise tax, and property tax. The use of the motor vehicle tax, which included an older depreciation scale for vehicles, became a source of major controversy after the measure was passed.

The resulting transit network after the completion of Sound Transit 3 is planned to include {{convert|62|mi|km}} of additional light rail serving 37 new stations; the entire {{convert|116|mi|km|adj=mid}} light rail system would carry an estimated 600,000 daily passengers. A Sounder commuter rail extension to DuPont and bus rapid transit lines on State Route 522 and Interstate 405 are also part of the package. The package's projects are set to open in stages from 2024 to 2041, with light rail construction beginning in the late 2020s for most extensions.

Background

File:East Link Extension groundbreaking, April 22, 2016 - 01.jpg, approved in 2008 by Sound Transit 2]]

Sound Transit, officially the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority, was established in 1993 to build a regional mass transit system pending approval from voters.{{cite web |title=Sound Transit Background |url=http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/partners/erp/background/3-1_About%20the%20Agency-Sound%20Transit%20Background.pdf |year=2013 |publisher=Sound Transit |via=Washington State Department of Transportation |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203124449/http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Partners/erp/background/3-1_About%20the%20Agency-Sound%20Transit%20Background.pdf |archive-date=February 3, 2017 }} After an unsuccessful ballot measure in 1995, the "Sound Move" plan was approved on November 5, 1996, financing the construction and operation of a $3.9 billion light rail, commuter rail and express bus system.{{cite news |last=Schaefer |first=David |date=November 6, 1996 |title=Voters back transit plan on fourth try |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19961106/2358535/voters-back-transit-plan-on-fourth-try |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215211/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19961106&slug=2358535 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 }} The services would begin service over the next decade, beginning with Sound Transit Express buses in 1999 and followed by Sounder commuter rail to Tacoma in 2000 and Everett in 2003.{{cite web |last=Hamilton |first=Charles |date=November 6, 2006 |title=Sound Transit (King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties) |url=http://www.historylink.org/File/8002 |work=HistoryLink |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728075501/http://www.historylink.org/File/8002 |archive-date=July 28, 2017 }} Light rail service came to Tacoma in 2003 and the centerpiece of the plan, Central Link from Downtown Seattle to Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, opened in 2009.{{cite web |last=Burrows |first=Alyssa |date=January 26, 2004 |title=Sound Transit's Tacoma Link light rail system begins operation on August 22, 2003. |url=http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=5642 |work=HistoryLink |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825221949/http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=5642 |archive-date=August 25, 2016 }}{{cite web |last=Long |first=Priscilla |date=December 21, 2009 |title=Sound Transit's Central Link light rail connecting downtown Seattle with Sea-Tac International Airport reaches SeaTac/Airport Station on December 19, 2009. |url=http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=9253 |work=HistoryLink |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160518063118/http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=9253 |archive-date=May 18, 2016 }} The development of light rail was hindered by a funding crisis in the early 2000s, which forced the plan to be scaled back from {{convert|23|mi}} to {{convert|16|mi}}, with planning for completion of the rest of the system.{{cite news |last=Brunner |first=Jim |date=June 29, 2001 |title=Sound Transit looks south for its first line |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20010629/sound29m0/sound-transit-looks-south-for-its-first-line |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814145113/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20010629&slug=sound29m0 |archive-date=August 14, 2017 }} The final project funded by Sound Move, the University Link light rail extension, opened in 2016.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=January 26, 2016 |title=University Link light-rail service starts March 19 |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/university-link-light-rail-service-starts-march-19/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713045342/http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/university-link-light-rail-service-starts-march-19/ |archive-date=July 13, 2017 }}

A second ballot measure, called Sound Transit 2, was proposed in 2007 to fund the deferred light rail segments left off the scaled-back system and further expand into the suburbs.{{cite news |last1=Chiu |first1=Lisa |last2=Lindblom |first2=Mike |date=July 14, 2006 |title=Sound Transit's board endorses light-rail link between Seattle, Eastside |page=A1 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20060714/soundtransit14m/sound-transits-board-endorses-light-rail-link-between-seattle-eastside |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110174532/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20060714&slug=soundtransit14m |archive-date=January 10, 2018 }} It went to the ballot in November 2007 as part of a joint "Roads and Transit" measure proposing $47 billion in regional transportation projects, of which $30.8 billion would be used to build {{convert|50|mi|km}} of light rail towards Lynnwood to the north, Redmond to the east, and Tacoma to the south.{{cite news |last=Lange |first=Larry |date=November 6, 2007 |title=Proposition 1: Voters hit the brakes |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/Proposition-1-Voters-hit-the-brakes-1254869.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306154600/http://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/Proposition-1-Voters-hit-the-brakes-1254869.php |archive-date=March 6, 2016 }}{{cite press release |date=May 14, 2007 |title=Governor Approves Joint "Roads & Transit" Ballot Measure Legislation |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/News-release-archive/GovRadifiesRT |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226061715/https://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/News-release-archive/GovRadifiesRT |archive-date=February 26, 2018 }} The proposition was rejected, with the opposition campaign led by environmentalists (including the Sierra Club and King County Executive Ron Sims) who were concerned about the {{convert|186|mi|km}} of new highway lanes and ramps that would have been built by the plan. A standalone and scaled-back transit proposition was passed the following year, approving $17.9 billion for {{convert|34|mi|km}} of light rail towards Lynnwood Transit Center, the Microsoft campus in southwestern Redmond, and northern Federal Way, as well as additional trips on Sounder.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=November 6, 2008 |title=How transit supporters closed deal with voters |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/lightrailinitiative/2008357499_soundtransit06m.html |work=The Seattle Times |page=A1 |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924130344/http://old.seattletimes.com/html/lightrailinitiative/2008357499_soundtransit06m.html |archive-date=September 24, 2016 }}

During the implementation of Sound Transit 2, the effects of the Great Recession on sales tax revenue forced Sound Transit to scale back its projects in 2010. Light rail to Federal Way was truncated to South 200th Street in SeaTac, while the rest would be studied for a future expansion; East Link to Bellevue and Redmond was delayed to 2023 from 2021.{{cite web |date=December 16, 2010 |title=Sound Transit Motion No. M2010-102 |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/about/board/motions/2010/Motion_M2010-102.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604151446/http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/about/board/motions/2010/Motion_M2010-102.pdf |archive-date=June 4, 2016 }}{{cite press release |date=December 16, 2010 |title=ST Board adopts 2011 budget, sets path for delivering major expansion |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/News-release-archive/ST-Board-adopts-2011-budget |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828172041/http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/News-release-archive/ST-Board-adopts-2011-budget |archive-date=August 28, 2016 }} The majority of Sound Transit 2's light rail projects are scheduled to be completed in the early 2020s, although Lynnwood Link and East Link were both delayed due to construction issues and

increased costs.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=August 24, 2017 |title=Sound Transit's Lynnwood extension running $500M over budget |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transits-lynnwood-extension-running-500m-over-budget/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 9, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109181854/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transits-lynnwood-extension-running-500m-over-budget/ |archive-date=January 9, 2018 }}{{cite news |last=Santos |first=Melissa |date=February 15, 2024 |title=What Seattle-area light rail stations are coming, and when |url=https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/02/13/light-rail-lines-change-schedule-when |work=Axios Seattle |accessdate=March 14, 2024}}

History

Planning for a third phase of transit expansion began in 2008 with $82 million in appropriated funding from Sound Transit 2 for "ST3 planning".{{cite report |date=July 2008 |title=Sound Transit 2, A Mass Transit Guide: The Regional Transit System Plan for Central Puget Sound |chapter=Appendix A: Detailed Description of Facilities and Estimated Costs |page=A-16 |chapter-url=http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/st2/transitexapansion/appendixa.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=October 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202004700/http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/st2/transitexapansion/appendixa.pdf |archive-date=December 2, 2016 }} Sound Transit identified several corridors to receive comprehensive planning studies, including Lynnwood to Everett, South Bellevue to Issaquah, Redmond to the University District via Kirkland, University District to Ballard to Downtown Seattle, Burien to West Seattle to Downtown Seattle, Burien to Renton, and bus rapid transit on Interstate 405.{{cite web |date=July 2008 |title=Planning for the Future: Planning Studies |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/projects/planning/system-wideplanningstudies.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202005156/http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/projects/planning/system-wideplanningstudies.pdf |archive-date=December 2, 2016 }} One of the studies, the Ballard–Downtown Seattle corridor, was made into a joint study with the city government of Seattle in 2013 that would investigate light rail as well as rapid streetcar concepts as part of the municipal streetcar network.{{cite web |date=November 8, 2012 |title=Sound Transit Motion No. M2012-81: Interlocal Agreement with City of Seattle for Ballard to Downtown High-Capacity Transit Study |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/about/board/motions/2012/Motion_M2012-81sr.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110055102/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/about/board/motions/2012/Motion_M2012-81sr.pdf |archive-date=January 10, 2018 }}{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=June 27, 2013 |title=Options for Ballard light-rail service to be aired |page=B2 |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/options-for-ballard-light-rail-service-to-be-aired/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109235625/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/options-for-ballard-light-rail-service-to-be-aired/ |archive-date=January 9, 2018 }} Other high-capacity transit corridor studies and an updated long-range plan were approved by the Sound Transit Board in February 2013, as part of a requirement for a potential public vote for a next phase.{{cite web |date=February 28, 2013 |title=Sound Transit Motion No. M2013-11 |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/about/board/motions/2013/Motion_M2013-11.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110055019/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/about/board/motions/2013/Motion_M2013-11.pdf |archive-date=January 10, 2018 }} The updated long-range plan, released in December 2014, recommended the addition of light rail extensions to Paine Field in Everett, West Seattle, Issaquah, and Tacoma Mall to the 2005 plan, which already included funded lines and light rail to Everett, Tacoma and Ballard.{{cite press release |date=December 19, 2013 |title=Residents voice strong interest in regional transit expansions as agency begins update of Long-Range Plan |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/News-release-archive/Long-Range-Plan---Residence-Voice-Interest-12-19-13 |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110054642/https://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/News-release-archive/Long-Range-Plan---Residence-Voice-Interest-12-19-13 |archive-date=January 10, 2018 }}{{cite report |date=July 7, 2005 |title=Sound Transit Regional Transit Long-Range Plan |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/projects/seis/long-range_plan_7-7-05.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930105745/http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/projects/seis/long-range_plan_7-7-05.pdf |archive-date=September 30, 2015 }}

Sound Transit presented a $15 billion transit package, named "Sound Transit 3", in October 2014, including light rail expansions to Everett, Tacoma, Issaquah, Ballard, and West Seattle.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=October 30, 2014 |title=Sound Transit floats $15B plan to expand mostly rail service |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2024915710_soundtransittaxesxml.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825041844/http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2024915710_soundtransittaxesxml.html |archive-date=August 25, 2016 }} The following month, the Sound Transit Board unanimously voted to pursue new taxes to support the 2016 ballot measure, pending authorization from the Washington State Legislature.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=November 21, 2014 |title=Sound Transit to seek new tax, fees to extend light-rail routes |page=B1 |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2025067216_soundtransit3xml.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019030952/http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2025067216_soundtransit3xml.html |archive-date=October 19, 2016 }} While the Republican-majority state senate attempted to the limit the package to a maximum of $11 billion, authorization for the full $15 billion revenue cap (for the first 15 years of collection) was passed in July 2015 as part of a statewide transportation package.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=July 5, 2015 |title=Sound Transit planning heats up for light-rail expansion and public vote |page=B1 |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-boosts-light-rail-expansion-plans/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011181100/http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-boosts-light-rail-expansion-plans/ |archive-date=October 11, 2016 }} As part of a compromise, a sales tax of 3.25 percent would be charged by the state on materials for construction projects, raising $518 million in revenue for the state highway funds that would be appropriated for other programs.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=June 29, 2015 |title=Lawmakers release $16 billion transportation plan with 11.9-cent gas tax |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/lawmakers-release-16-billion-transportation-plan-has-119-cent-gas-tax/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911022120/http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/lawmakers-release-16-billion-transportation-plan-has-119-cent-gas-tax/ |archive-date=September 11, 2016 }}

Drafting of the final plan began in June 2015, with the selection of projects to prioritize in subsequent planning phases after a series of public meetings.{{cite press release |date=July 1, 2015 |title=Board applauds Legislature and Governor's support for full ST3 funding authority, advances plans for November 2016 measure |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/Full-ST3-funding-authority-7115 |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907073138/http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/Full-ST3-funding-authority-7115 |archive-date=September 7, 2015 }} After receiving over 25,000 responses to a project questionnaire in July,{{cite news |last=Haglund |first=Noah |date=July 25, 2015 |title=25,000 respond to Sound Transit's light-rail survey |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/news/25000-respond-to-sound-transit%C2%92s-light-rail-survey/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019025645/http://www.heraldnet.com/news/25000-respond-to-sound-transit%C2%92s-light-rail-survey/ |archive-date=October 19, 2016 }} the Sound Transit Board expanded the list of candidate projects to include light rail studies on previously excluded corridors, including State Route 522 (also the recipient of bus rapid transit service).{{cite news |last=Cornfield |first=Jerry |date=August 31, 2015 |title=Sound Transit's wish list of Snohomish County projects grows |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/sound-transits-wish-list-of-snohomish-county-projects-grows/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=January 16, 2025}} In December, three package size options were presented to the Sound Transit Board: a 15-year, $26 billion program with at-grade lines between Ballard and West Seattle; a 20-year, $30 billion program with a new downtown tunnel for Ballard and West Seattle; and a 25-year, $48 billion program with a new downtown tunnel for Ballard.{{cite press release |date=December 4, 2015 |title=Meet the candidates: completed studies document estimated costs, ridership for potential Sound Transit 3 projects |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/meet-candidates-completed-studies-document |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505050010/http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/meet-candidates-completed-studies-document |archive-date=May 5, 2016 }}{{cite news |last=Feit |first=Josh |date=December 7, 2015 |title=Unusually Opinionated Sound Transit Staff Presents New Ballard-to-Tacoma Light Rail Option |url=https://www.seattlemet.com/articles/2015/12/7/sound-transit-tells-staff |work=Seattle Met |access-date=October 22, 2016}}

A draft plan was released in March 2016, proposing a $50 billion, 25-year system with {{convert|108|mi|km}} of light rail serving 75 stations, two bus rapid transit lines, and a commuter rail extension, all opening in stages from 2024 to 2041.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=March 24, 2016 |title=$50B Sound Transit proposal: big taxes, big spending, big plan |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-proposal-includes-2nd-downtown-seattle-tunnel/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161016030930/http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-proposal-includes-2nd-downtown-seattle-tunnel/ |archive-date=October 16, 2016 }} Additional studies for provisional light rail lines between Ballard and the University District (via Fremont), West Seattle and Burien, and suburban extensions to Kirkland and North Everett.{{cite news |last=Groover |first=Heidi |date=March 24, 2016 |title=Sound Transit Unveils $50 Billion Light Rail Package Including Lines to Ballard and West Seattle |url=http://www.thestranger.com/slog/2016/03/24/23862901/sound-transit-unveils-draft-plan-for-this-falls-light-rail-ballot-measure |work=The Stranger |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019034215/http://www.thestranger.com/slog/2016/03/24/23862901/sound-transit-unveils-draft-plan-for-this-falls-light-rail-ballot-measure |archive-date=October 19, 2016 }}{{cite web |date=March 29, 2016 |title=Sound Transit 3 Draft Plan: Future System Planning (ST4) |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/FutureSystemPlanning_ST4-1.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226061306/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/FutureSystemPlanning_ST4-1.pdf |archive-date=February 26, 2018 }} After the release of the draft plan, the long timelines were criticized from politicians and political groups that would receive service in the 2030s and 2040s.{{cite news |last=Haglund |first=Noah |date=March 25, 2016 |title=Leaders fume over Sound Transit's 2041 Everett timeline |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/news/leaders-fume-over-sound-transits-2041-everett-timeline/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028083626/http://www.heraldnet.com/news/leaders-fume-over-sound-transits-2041-everett-timeline/ |archive-date=October 28, 2016 }}{{cite news |last=Lynn |first=Adam |date=April 30, 2016 |title=From Orting to Lakewood, officials want more sooner out of Sound Transit 3 |url=http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/traffic/article74926182.html |work=The News Tribune |location=Tacoma, Washington |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027054956/http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/traffic/article74926182.html |archive-date=October 27, 2016 }} In response to the concerns over project timelines and routing choices, groups from Northwest Seattle and Snohomish County proposed alternative plans to better serve Interbay and Paine Field in Everett, respectively.{{cite news |last=Haglund |first=Noah |date=April 20, 2016 |title=Alternative plan would bring light rail to Everett by 2033 |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20160420/NEWS01/160429959/Alternative-plan-would-bring-light-rail-to-Everett-by-2033- |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623203622/http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20160420/NEWS01/160429959/Alternative-plan-would-bring-light-rail-to-Everett-by-2033- |archive-date=June 23, 2016 |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=October 22, 2016}}{{cite news |last1=Lindblom |first1=Mike |last2=Beekman |first2=Daniel |date=April 19, 2016 |title=Ballard, Magnolia seek pricey add-ons to Sound Transit light-rail plans |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/ballard-magnolia-seek-pricey-add-ons-to-sound-transit-light-rail-plans/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918214228/http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/ballard-magnolia-seek-pricey-add-ons-to-sound-transit-light-rail-plans/ |archive-date=September 18, 2016 }}

In May 2016, Sound Transit announced revised plans that would accelerate delivery dates for light rail projects, pushing most into the 2030s, using an additional $4 billion in bonds that would not affect the taxing rate. Another amendment proposed region-wide contributions to a new light rail tunnel in Downtown Seattle, which would be built to relieve the existing tunnel when it reaches its capacity with new suburban extensions. Infill stations along existing and future lines within Seattle were also added to the plan, along with a short light rail spur to southern Kirkland.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=May 26, 2016 |title=Light-rail stations could open years earlier under new Sound Transit plan |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/light-rail-stations-could-open-sooner-under-new-sound-transit-plan/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006201123/http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/light-rail-stations-could-open-sooner-under-new-sound-transit-plan/ |archive-date=October 6, 2016 }} The final plan was approved by the Sound Transit Board on June 23, and placed on the November ballot as Regional Proposition 1.{{cite news |last=Beekman |first=Daniel |date=June 23, 2016 |title=Sound Transit puts $54 billion light-rail plan on ballot |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/sound-transit-puts-54-billion-light-rail-plan-on-ballot/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011022139/http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/sound-transit-puts-54-billion-light-rail-plan-on-ballot/ |archive-date=October 11, 2016 }}

Projects

Under full implementation of the Sound Transit 3 plan, the region's Link light rail system would expand to {{convert|116|mi|km}},{{cite news |last=Gutman |first=David |date=April 27, 2017 |title=Here's how Sound Transit plans to roll out 'one of most ambitious transit expansions' U.S. has ever seen |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-formally-launches-massive-rail-bus-expansion/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=February 27, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228100910/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-formally-launches-massive-rail-bus-expansion/ |archive-date=February 28, 2018 }} Sound Transit would operate two new bus rapid transit lines, and Sounder commuter rail would be extended by two stations while additional cars are added to trains.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=September 15, 2017 |title=$100,000 per space? Costs soar for Sound Transit's Kent park-and-ride garage |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/100000-per-parking-space-costs-soar-for-sound-transits-kent-park-and-ride-garage/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=February 27, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228100809/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/100000-per-parking-space-costs-soar-for-sound-transits-kent-park-and-ride-garage/ |archive-date=February 28, 2018 }} By 2040, Sound Transit estimates that its services will carry a total of between 561,000 and 695,000 daily riders, with 69 percent of all transit trips using rail services.{{cite web |title=Sound Transit 3 Overview |url=http://soundtransit3.org/overview |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023223658/http://soundtransit3.org/overview |archive-date=October 23, 2016 }}{{cite press release |date=June 23, 2016 |title=Board sends major light rail expansion plan to November ballot |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/board-sends-major-light-rail-expansion-plan |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=October 26, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027060106/http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/board-sends-major-light-rail-expansion-plan |archive-date=October 27, 2016 }}

=Light rail=

File:Link train at Othello station.jpg in the Rainier Valley of Seattle]]

Sound Transit 3 includes {{convert|62|mi|km}} of light rail serving 37 stations, extending the existing system to suburban cities and the Seattle neighborhoods of Ballard and West Seattle.{{cite news |last=Cowan |first=Nils |date=October 5, 2016 |title=Sound Transit 3: Proposition 1 Hopes to Create a Regional Rail Network |url=https://kcts9.org/programs/in-close/sound-transit-3-proposition-1-hopes-create-regional-rail-network |work=In Close |publisher=KCTS 9 |access-date=February 27, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918154414/https://kcts9.org/programs/in-close/sound-transit-3-proposition-1-hopes-create-regional-rail-network |archive-date=September 18, 2017 }} Light rail trains would run 20 hours per day, and every 3 to 6 minutes during peak hours; the plan requires the purchase of 226 new vehicles to operate on the new lines.{{cite web |date=October 2016 |title=Sound Transit 3: Mass Transit Guide Voter Information |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/project-documents/ST3-Mass-Transit-Guide_Mailer-2016_090216.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226061149/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/project-documents/ST3-Mass-Transit-Guide_Mailer-2016_090216.pdf |archive-date=February 26, 2018 }}

The light rail projects, in descending order of projected completion, are:{{cite web |date=June 23, 2016 |title=Sound Transit 3 System Plan Project List |url=https://st32.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/Document%20Library%20Featured/June_23/2016_0623_ST3_System_Plan_list.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160628010135/https://st32.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/Document%20Library%20Featured/June_23/2016_0623_ST3_System_Plan_list.pdf |archive-date=June 28, 2016 }}{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=November 14, 2016 |title=Where Sound Transit 3 projects could speed up or slow down |page=B1 |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/where-sound-transit-3-projects-could-speed-up-or-slow-down/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828005549/http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/where-sound-transit-3-projects-could-speed-up-or-slow-down/ |archive-date=August 28, 2017 }}

Redmond Technology station to Downtown Redmond (2024)
Kent/Des Moines station to Federal Way Transit Center (2024)
Federal Way Transit Center to Tacoma Dome Station (2030)
Downtown Seattle to West Seattle (2030)
Downtown Seattle to Ballard via South Lake Union and Lower Queen Anne (2035)
Second downtown light rail tunnel (2035)
Lynnwood Transit Center to Everett Station via Paine Field (2036)
South Kirkland to Issaquah via Bellevue (2041)

Construction on the Ballard, West Seattle, and Tacoma Dome extensions is scheduled to begin in the late 2020s, followed by work on the Everett and Issaquah projects.{{cite web |date=October 2017 |title=System Expansion: Project timelines |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/project-documents/system-expansion-project-timelines.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=June 19, 2018 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The plan also includes funding for infill stations on the original network, at Graham Street, NE 130th Street, and Boeing Access Road, to open by 2031. An extension of Tacoma Link to Tacoma Community College is projected to be completed in 2039.

=Bus=

Sound Transit 3 creates two bus rapid transit lines on Interstate 405 and State Route 518 from Burien to Lynnwood and State Route 522 and NE 145th Street from Shoreline to Woodinville, both originally scheduled to open in 2024.{{cite news |last=Person |first=Daniel |date=October 17, 2016 |title=ST3 is more than rail: A closer look at bus rapid transit |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/news/st3-is-more-than-rail-a-closer-look-at-bus-rapid-transit/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=February 27, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228163045/http://www.heraldnet.com/news/st3-is-more-than-rail-a-closer-look-at-bus-rapid-transit/ |archive-date=February 28, 2018 }} The system is named Stride and is scheduled to open in 2028 and 2029.{{cite web |title=Stride bus rapid transit: Timeline and milestones |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/system-expansion/stride-bus-rapid-transit/timeline-milestones |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=January 9, 2025}} One component of the I-405 project is a station at Northeast 85th Street in Kirkland, which is projected to cost up to $300 million due to extensive rebuilding of the existing interchange.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=September 6, 2018 |title=Sound Transit is taking a $300 million gamble on a new I-405 bus station in Kirkland |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transits-300-million-gamble-on-new-i-405-bus-station-in-kirkland/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 6, 2018}}

The plan also includes operating funds for the existing Sound Transit Express network, bus shoulder programs, bus reliability improvements, investment in three RapidRide lines in Seattle (C Line to West Seattle, D Line to Ballard, and Madison BRT to the Madison Valley) and investment in Pierce Transit's bus rapid transit project to replace Route 1 along Pacific Avenue in Tacoma.{{cite news |last=Ruud |first=Candice |date=April 6, 2018 |title=Wave as they pass your car. Fast buses could be coming to a long stretch of Pacific Avenue |url=http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article208076634.html |work=The News Tribune |access-date=April 6, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406232622/http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article208076634.html |archive-date=April 6, 2018 }}

=Commuter rail=

Sound Transit 3 would extend Sounder commuter rail service to Tillicum (near Joint Base Lewis–McChord) and DuPont from Lakewood station, to open in 2036. Additional capacity improvements (longer 10-car trains and potentially increased frequencies) on the South Line and additional parking on the North Line are also included in the plan.{{cite news |last=Lynn |first=Adam |date=September 10, 2016 |title=New midday Sounder train from Lakewood to Seattle starts Monday |url=http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article100760162.html |work=The News Tribune |location=Tacoma, Washington |access-date=February 27, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228223020/http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article100760162.html |archive-date=February 28, 2018 }}

=Other elements=

Sound Transit 3 includes funding for future system planning and high-capacity transit corridor studies for light rail and commuter rail extensions in all subareas. A transit-oriented development planning program would facilitate the transfer of surplus land and underutilized land near stations for development.{{cite news |last=Stiles |first=Marc |date=March 23, 2017 |title=Sound Transit CEO says agency won't blow $54B chance for development around transit |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2017/03/23/sound-transit-seattle-transit-oriented-development.html |work=Puget Sound Business Journal |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 27, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326054732/http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2017/03/23/sound-transit-seattle-transit-oriented-development.html |archive-date=March 26, 2017 }} Station access studies would also be funded, encouraging bicycle, pedestrian and ridesharing to and from the system. Over 8,500 new park and ride stalls are also included in the plan, largely in the suburban segments of the system.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=November 1, 2016 |title=Proposed light-rail expansion includes 8,560 park-and-ride stalls — but is it enough? |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/bigger-park-and-rides-find-place-in-sound-transit-ballot-measure/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=February 27, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228100857/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/bigger-park-and-rides-find-place-in-sound-transit-ballot-measure/ |archive-date=February 28, 2018 }}

Funding

Sound Transit 3 would cost a total of $53.845 billion in 2041 dollars, using $27.7 billion in new local taxes raised during the 25-year construction phase.{{cite report |date=June 23, 2016 |title=Sound Transit 3: The Regional Transit System Plan for Central Puget Sound |chapter=Appendix A: Detailed Description of Facilities and Estimated Costs |chapter-url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/project-documents/st3-system-plan-2016-appendix-a.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=October 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226061423/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/project-documents/st3-system-plan-2016-appendix-a.pdf |archive-date=February 26, 2018 }}{{rp|5}}{{cite news |last=Lynn |first=Adam |date=April 16, 2016 |title=New long-term taxes would pay for Sound Transit expansion |url=http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article72241182.html |work=The News Tribune |location=Tacoma, Washington |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825141821/http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article72241182.html |archive-date=August 25, 2016 }} The new taxes would consist of a 0.5 percent sales tax, a 0.8 percent motor vehicle excise tax, and a property tax of 25 cents per $1,000 in assessed value. While the sales tax and motor vehicle excise tax were used in previous transit expansions, the property tax was added to create a "more progressive revenue source".{{cite web |date=June 23, 2016 |title=ST3 Funding Background |url=https://st32.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/Document%20Library%20Featured/Sept_2016/Factsheet_ST3_Funding_092816.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319143906/https://st32.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/Document%20Library%20Featured/Sept_2016/Factsheet_ST3_Funding_092816.pdf |archive-date=March 19, 2017 }} Other funding sources include an estimated $4.7 billion in federal grants, surplus revenues from Sound Move and Sound Transit 2, bond proceeds, farebox recovery, and interest earnings.{{rp|5}} Sound Transit estimates that the plan would cost the average adult in the district approximately $169 more annually.{{cite press release |date=July 8, 2016 |title=ST3 plan would cost typical adult $169 annually or $14 per month |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/st3-plan-would-cost-typical-adult-169-annually-or |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025110921/http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/st3-plan-would-cost-typical-adult-169-annually-or |archive-date=October 25, 2016 }}

A portion of the plan would be funded through $11 billion in bonds, which would need repayment before taxes could be repealed. Estimates for full repayment and repeal range from 2048 to 2068, based on financial models from Sound Transit.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=October 1, 2016 |title=Sound Transit 3 taxes: How much you'd pay and for how long |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/breaking-down-the-54-billion-sound-transit-3-initiative/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161004134835/http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/breaking-down-the-54-billion-sound-transit-3-initiative/ |archive-date=October 4, 2016 }}

Political support

=Proponents=

File:Sound Transit 3 campaign signs, West Seattle.jpg]]

The primary "yes" campaign, Mass Transit Now, was originally established to support Sound Transit 2 in 2008,{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=November 6, 2008 |title=How transit supporters closed deal with voters |page=A1 |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/lightrailinitiative/2008357499_soundtransit06m.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924130344/http://old.seattletimes.com/html/lightrailinitiative/2008357499_soundtransit06m.html |archive-date=September 24, 2016 }} and was revived for Sound Transit 3. Using funding from local corporations and labor unions, it raised $3.41 million by late October and attracted the support of politicians and political activists.{{cite news |last=Lynn |first=Adam |date=September 24, 2016 |title=Big businesses pouring money into the Sound Transit 3 'yes' campaign |url=http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/traffic/article103978501.html |work=The News Tribune |location=Tacoma, Washington |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030153254/http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/traffic/article103978501.html |archive-date=October 30, 2016 }} The largest donors include Microsoft, Expedia, Amazon.com, Costco, and Vulcan Inc.; Bill Gates also donated $100,000 on behalf of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, whose headquarters are in Seattle.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=October 23, 2016 |title=Millions spent on Sound Transit 3 campaign — by those who would benefit |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/employers-contractors-unions-bankroll-sound-transit-3-push/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 24, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025013804/http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/employers-contractors-unions-bankroll-sound-transit-3-push/ |archive-date=October 25, 2016 }}

Sound Transit 3 was endorsed by prominent local politicians, including King County Executive and Sound Transit Board Chair Dow Constantine, Seattle mayor Ed Murray, state governor Jay Inslee, U.S. congressman Derek Kilmer, U.S. Senator Patty Murray,{{cite news |date=November 3, 2016 |title=U.S. Sen. Patty Murray endorses Sound Transit Proposition 1 |url=http://www.kentreporter.com/news/u-s-sen-patty-murray-endorses-sound-transit-proposition-1/ |work=Kent Reporter |access-date=November 10, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110224047/http://www.kentreporter.com/news/u-s-sen-patty-murray-endorses-sound-transit-proposition-1/ |archive-date=November 10, 2016 }} Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, and Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy.{{cite web |title=Endorsements |url=http://masstransitnow.com/endorsements/ |publisher=Mass Transit Now |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018222615/http://masstransitnow.com/endorsements/ |archive-date=October 18, 2016 }} The measure was also supported by several city councils in northern and eastern King County in the summer of 2016, including Bellevue,{{cite news |last=Murray |first=Ryan |date=September 23, 2016 |title=Bellevue Council votes to support Sound Transit 3 |url=http://www.bellevuereporter.com/news/394609151.html |work=Bellevue Reporter |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027060510/http://www.bellevuereporter.com/news/394609151.html |archive-date=October 27, 2016 }} Issaquah,{{cite news |last=Giordano |first=Lizz |date=September 20, 2016 |title=Issaquah City Council votes to support Sound Transit 3 |url=http://www.theeastside.news/issaquah/news/local/issaquah-city-council-votes-to-support-sound-transit/article_53f3de8c-7f90-11e6-a3e7-df3ee691e960.html |work=The Issaquah Press |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20160921142650/http://www.theeastside.news/issaquah/news/local/issaquah-city-council-votes-to-support-sound-transit/article_53f3de8c-7f90-11e6-a3e7-df3ee691e960.html |archive-date=September 21, 2016 }} Kenmore,{{cite news |date=June 30, 2016 |title=Kenmore City Council votes unanimously to support Sound Transit 3 ballot measure |url=http://www.bothell-reporter.com/news/385106011.html |work=Bothell Reporter |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027055815/http://www.bothell-reporter.com/news/385106011.html |archive-date=October 27, 2016 }} Redmond, and Shoreline.{{cite press release |date=August 10, 2016 |title=Council unanimously supports ST3 |url=http://www.shorelinewa.gov/Home/Components/News/News/2225/21 |publisher=City of Shoreline |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226061714/http://www.shorelinewa.gov/Home/Components/News/News/2225/21 |archive-date=February 26, 2018 }} Business groups in Seattle, including the Greater Seattle Business Association and Downtown Seattle Association, also voted to endorse the measure. Local non-profit and volunteer organizations also voted to support ST3, including the Seattle branch of the Sierra Club, OneAmerica, the Cascade Bicycle Club, El Centro de la Raza, AIA Seattle, Seattle Subway, Transit Riders Union and Feet First Washington. Uber endorsed the measure as well, citing shared goals of congestion and pollution reduction.{{cite news |last=Soper |first=Taylor |date=October 24, 2016 |title=Uber makes rare ballot endorsement, voices support for massive $54B transit prop in Seattle |url=http://www.geekwire.com/2016/uber-makes-rare-endorsement-voices-support-massive-54b-transit-proposition-seattle-area/ |work=GeekWire |access-date=October 26, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027061158/http://www.geekwire.com/2016/uber-makes-rare-endorsement-voices-support-massive-54b-transit-proposition-seattle-area/ |archive-date=October 27, 2016 }}

The News Tribune in Tacoma published an editorial on October 10 endorsing Sound Transit 3, citing its benefits to the city of Tacoma and Pierce County.{{cite news |author=News Tribune Editorial Board |date=October 8, 2016 |title=We endorse: Yes on Sound Transit 3 means fairness for Tacoma |url=http://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/article106793902.html |work=The News Tribune |location=Tacoma, Washington |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101103522/http://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/article106793902.html |archive-date=November 1, 2016 }} Two weekly newspapers in Seattle, the Seattle Weekly and The Stranger, both endorsed Sound Transit 3 in their general election endorsements.{{cite news |author=Seattle Weekly Editorial Board |date=October 19, 2016 |title=The Endorsements |url=http://www.seattleweekly.com/news/the-endorsements/ |work=Seattle Weekly |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023031237/http://www.seattleweekly.com/news/the-endorsements/ |archive-date=October 23, 2016 }}{{cite news |author=Stranger Election Control Board |date=October 18, 2016 |title=The Stranger's Endorsements for the November 2016 General Election |url=http://www.thestranger.com/news/2016/10/18/24627137/the-strangers-endorsements-for-the-november-2016-general-election |work=The Stranger |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019045942/http://www.thestranger.com/news/2016/10/18/24627137/the-strangers-endorsements-for-the-november-2016-general-election |archive-date=October 19, 2016 }} The Herald in Everett published their endorsement on October 31, calling it an "investment, paying now for a greater benefit later".{{cite news |author=The Herald Editorial Board |date=October 31, 2016 |title=Editorial: Approve Sound Transit rail link to Paine Field, Everett |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/editorial-approve-sound-transit-rail-link-to-paine-field-everett/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=October 31, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031152037/http://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/editorial-approve-sound-transit-rail-link-to-paine-field-everett/ |archive-date=October 31, 2016 }}

In an op-ed to The Seattle Times, the county executives of King and Snohomish counties, along with the mayor of Tacoma, outlined their support for Sound Transit 3, citing existing traffic congestion and expected population growth in the region.{{cite news |last1=Constantine |first1=Dow |author-link1=Dow Constantine |last2=Somers |first2=Dave |last3=Strickland |first3=Marilyn |date=October 18, 2016 |title=Opinion: Sound Transit 3 is the transit system our region has needed for 40 years |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/st3-is-the-transit-system-our-region-has-needed-for-40-years/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022170320/http://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/st3-is-the-transit-system-our-region-has-needed-for-40-years/ |archive-date=October 22, 2016 }} Sierra Club executive director Michael Brune argued that the package's projects would provide great benefits to the environment and addition of affordable housing near stations.{{cite news |last1=Brune |first1=Michael |last2=Collins |first2=Chuck |date=October 7, 2016 |title=Opinion: Pro/con: Should voters approve Sound Transit 3 in November? |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/procon-should-voters-approve-sound-transit-3-in-november/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161014191151/http://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/procon-should-voters-approve-sound-transit-3-in-november/ |archive-date=October 14, 2016 }}

=Opponents=

The Seattle Times editorial board rejected Sound Transit 3, asking readers to "demand a better plan".{{cite news |author=Seattle Times editorial board |date=October 19, 2016 |title=The Times editorial board: Reject Sound Transit 3 and demand a better plan |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/the-times-recommends-reject-sound-transit-3-and-demand-a-better-plan/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021131617/http://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/the-times-recommends-reject-sound-transit-3-and-demand-a-better-plan/ |archive-date=October 21, 2016 }} The city councils of Newcastle and Sammamish passed legislation in opposition to Sound Transit 3, citing the lack of benefits to their respective communities.{{cite news |last=Corrales-Toy |first=Christina |date=September 15, 2016 |title=Newcastle City Council votes to oppose ST3 |url=http://www.theeastside.news/newcastlenews/news/local/newcastle-city-council-votes-to-oppose-st/article_50034334-7b95-11e6-8f7e-33fbd520fdbd.html |work=Newcastle News |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20160921153330/http://www.theeastside.news/newcastlenews/news/local/newcastle-city-council-votes-to-oppose-st/article_50034334-7b95-11e6-8f7e-33fbd520fdbd.html |archive-date=September 21, 2016 }}{{cite news |last=Livarchik |first=Joe |date=October 6, 2016 |title=Sammamish City Council opposes Sound Transit 3 |url=http://www.issaquahreporter.com/news/396144161.html |work=Issaquah Reporter |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018075806/http://www.issaquahreporter.com/news/396144161.html |archive-date=October 18, 2016 }} State representative Reuven Carlyle of Ballard published an editorial opposing the measure over its cost, putting education funding in jeopardy because of the use of property taxes.{{cite news |last=Groover |first=Heidi |date=August 11, 2016 |title=Why State Senator Reuven Carlyle—a Democrat Representing Ballard—Won't Endorse Sound Transit 3 |url=http://www.thestranger.com/slog/2016/08/11/24454405/why-state-senator-reuven-carlylea-democrat-representing-ballardwont-endorse-sound-transit-3 |work=The Stranger |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017231123/http://www.thestranger.com/slog/2016/08/11/24454405/why-state-senator-reuven-carlylea-democrat-representing-ballardwont-endorse-sound-transit-3 |archive-date=October 17, 2016 }}

The "no" campaign had raised $316,000 by late October, largely financed by Bellevue developer Kemper Freeman. Freeman, who had long opposed rail transit and filed lawsuits in opposition to the East Link project funded by ST2,{{cite news |last=Long |first=Katherine |date=May 2, 2010 |title=Kemper Freeman is suing to stop light-rail expansion to Eastside |page=A1 |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2011756951_kemper02m.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=February 27, 2018}} called the plan a "major calamity", criticizing the plan's timeline, cost, and scope.{{cite news |last=Moreno |first=Amy |date=September 12, 2016 |title=Developer: ST3 is 'a major calamity' |url=http://www.king5.com/news/traffic/developer-st3-is-a-major-calamity/317493266 |publisher=KING 5 News |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161016203308/http://www.king5.com/news/traffic/developer-st3-is-a-major-calamity/317493266 |archive-date=October 16, 2016 }} Bellevue city councilmember Kevin Wallace argued that a smaller plan to serve higher-density corridors with rail and others with bus rapid transit would be more cost effective.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=September 13, 2016 |title=Debaters of light-rail expansion agree it's a 'moonshot' … just not for the same reason |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/debaters-of-st3-agree-its-a-moonshot-just-not-for-the-same-reason/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919191516/http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/debaters-of-st3-agree-its-a-moonshot-just-not-for-the-same-reason/ |archive-date=September 19, 2016 }} The Bellevue Chamber of Commerce voted to oppose the measure, citing a "lack of confidence" over the projected costs and benefits for projects after 2030.{{cite news |last=Murray |first=Ryan |date=August 30, 2016 |title=Bellevue Chamber announces opposition to ST3 measure |url=http://www.bellevuereporter.com/news/391797041.html |work=Bellevue Reporter |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005013339/http://www.bellevuereporter.com/news/391797041.html |archive-date=October 5, 2016 }}

Criticism

Sound Transit 3 has been criticized by supporters and opponents for various elements of the plan. The editorial board of The Seattle Times criticized the plan in June 2016 as coming "too soon" and too costly, calling it a "blank check" to Sound Transit.{{cite news |author=Seattle Times Editorial Board |date=June 18, 2016 |title=Hold off on Sound Transit 3 ballot measure — give discussion time |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/hold-off-on-sound-transit-3-ballot-measure-give-discussion-time/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027123234/http://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/hold-off-on-sound-transit-3-ballot-measure-give-discussion-time/ |archive-date=October 27, 2016 }} The high cost of the plan, at $54 billion in year-of-expenditure dollars, was compared unfavorably to similar programs in peer cities.{{cite news |last=Talton |first=Jon |date=March 29, 2016 |title=The economics of Sound Transit 3 |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/business/economy/the-economics-of-sound-transit-3/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027123424/http://www.seattletimes.com/business/economy/the-economics-of-sound-transit-3/ |archive-date=October 27, 2016 }} The plan has also been criticized for not promising to reduce congestion, with Sound Transit citing induced demand and touting light rail as an alternative rather than a solution.{{cite web |title=Sound Transit 3: Frequently Asked Questions |url=http://soundtransit3.org/questions?faq=8437 |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=October 26, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026055342/http://soundtransit3.org/questions?faq=8437 |archive-date=October 26, 2016 }}

After the release of the draft plan in March 2016, including completion of light rail to Everett and Tacoma in 2041 at the earliest, politicians demanded shorter timelines that were eventually implemented.{{cite news |last=Haglund |first=Noah |date=March 26, 2016 |title=Leaders fume over Sound Transit's 2041 Everett timeline |url=http://archive.heraldnet.com/article/20160326/NEWS01/160329221 |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=October 22, 2016 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news |last=Lynn |first=Adam |date=April 30, 2016 |title=From Orting to Lakewood, officials want more sooner out of Sound Transit 3 |url=http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/traffic/article74926182.html |work=The News Tribune |location=Tacoma, Washington |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027054956/http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/traffic/article74926182.html |archive-date=October 27, 2016 }} The inclusion of $980 million to fund park and rides for stations was criticized by Seattle Met's Publicola,{{cite news |last=Feit |first=Josh |date=March 24, 2016 |title=Sound Transit Expansion Plan Likely to Include Large Investment in Parking Facilities |url=http://www.seattlemet.com/articles/2016/3/24/sound-transit-expansion-plan-likely-to-include-large-investment-in-parking-facilities |work=Seattle Met |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027055823/http://www.seattlemet.com/articles/2016/3/24/sound-transit-expansion-plan-likely-to-include-large-investment-in-parking-facilities |archive-date=October 27, 2016 }} but was later reduced to $661 million and mitigated with plans to introduce reasonable fees for parking to manage demand, with revenues allocated to non-motorized system access.{{cite news |last=Person |first=Daniel |date=April 12, 2016 |title=A $611M Question: Why Parking's Such a Big Deal in the ST3 Debate |url=http://archive.seattleweekly.com/home/963630-129/a-611m-question-why-parkings-such |work=Seattle Weekly |access-date=October 26, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027055840/http://archive.seattleweekly.com/home/963630-129/a-611m-question-why-parkings-such |archive-date=October 27, 2016 }}{{cite web |date=June 23, 2016 |title=Sound Transit 3: The Regional Transit System Plan for Central Puget Sound |page=12 |url=https://st32.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/Document%20Library%20Featured/8-22-16/ST3_System-Plan_2016_web.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=October 26, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927225056/https://st32.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/Document%20Library%20Featured/8-22-16/ST3_System-Plan_2016_web.pdf |archive-date=September 27, 2016 }}

=Controversies=

During the lead-up to the election, Sound Transit was criticized for adding misleading survey questions that were found by the state's public disclosure commission to be in violation of state laws, and later pulled.{{cite news |last=Kamb |first=Lewis |date=April 3, 2016 |title=Sound Transit pulls survey question that may break state law |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/sound-transit-pulls-survey-question-that-may-break-state-law/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918233826/http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/sound-transit-pulls-survey-question-that-may-break-state-law/ |archive-date=September 18, 2016 }} After the publication of the final plan and planning of the ballot measure language on voter pamphlets, a write-in campaign succeeded in placing conservative activist Tim Eyman on the committee writing the "no" statement, which upset the opposition campaign; under the state's ballot measure laws, Sound Transit's board were required to choose authors for both sides, and primarily selected current and former elected officials for both teams.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=July 28, 2016 |title=Sound Transit picks 'radioactive' Tim Eyman to write statement against expanding light rail |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-3-foes-upset-eymans-an-ally/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011161222/http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-3-foes-upset-eymans-an-ally/ |archive-date=October 11, 2016 }}

In August 2016, The Seattle Times revealed that 173,000 email addresses belonging to ORCA card holders were improperly released by Sound Transit to the pro campaign Mass Transit Now, potentially in violation of two state laws regarding protected information and use of public resources in support of a political campaign.{{cite news |last=Kamb |first=Lewis |date=August 19, 2016 |title=Sound Transit improperly sent 173,000 ORCA card users' info to political campaign |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/sound-transit-improperly-gave-173000-orca-cardholders-info-to-ballot-measure-promoters/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161016180604/http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/sound-transit-improperly-gave-173000-orca-cardholders-info-to-ballot-measure-promoters/ |archive-date=October 16, 2016 }} The Washington State Attorney General's Office announced that it would not pursue legal action against Sound Transit for the incident, finding no evidence that the release was intentional.{{cite news |last=Kamb |first=Lewis |date=October 19, 2016 |title=Sound Transit won't face legal action from Attorney General's Office over release of email addresses |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/sound-transit-wont-face-legal-action-from-attorney-generals-office-over-release-of-email-addresses/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022170618/http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/sound-transit-wont-face-legal-action-from-attorney-generals-office-over-release-of-email-addresses/ |archive-date=October 22, 2016 }}

Results

File:Sound Transit 3 Precinct Vote Map.png

The initial election returns had Sound Transit 3 passing by a large margin in King County, narrowly in Snohomish County, and failing in Pierce County.{{cite news |date=November 10, 2016 |title=Sound Transit 3 wins, despite rejection from Pierce County |page=B6 |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-3-wins-despite-rejection-from-pierce-county/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 10, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110050741/http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-3-wins-despite-rejection-from-pierce-county/ |archive-date=November 10, 2016 }} Supporters, including King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle mayor Ed Murray, celebrated at a campaign party in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=November 8, 2016 |title=Sound Transit 3 opens big lead with support in King, Snohomish counties |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-3-proposition-1/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 31, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101162948/http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-3-proposition-1/ |archive-date=January 1, 2017 }}{{cite news |last=Demay |first=Daniel |date=November 8, 2016 |title=Seattle votes to reach deep for $54 billion transit package |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/elections/article/Seattle-votes-to-reach-deep-for-54-billion-10602027.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=December 31, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230133305/http://www.seattlepi.com/elections/article/Seattle-votes-to-reach-deep-for-54-billion-10602027.php |archive-date=December 30, 2016 }} At a Republican Party gathering in Bellevue, Tim Eyman called the results a "gut punch".{{cite news |last=Person |first=Daniel |date=November 9, 2016 |title=Surprise! Washington Republicans Love Trump After All |url=http://www.seattleweekly.com/news/surprise-washington-republicans-love-trump-after-all/ |work=Seattle Weekly |access-date=December 31, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101231722/http://www.seattleweekly.com/news/surprise-washington-republicans-love-trump-after-all/ |archive-date=January 1, 2017 }} Ultimately, the ballot measure was approved by 54 percent of voters, with strong support in King County, narrow approval in Snohomish County, and rejection in Pierce County. Voter approval was very high in Seattle and in neighborhoods with apartments or near planned stations.{{cite news |last1=Mayo |first1=Justin |last2=Lindblom |first2=Mike |date=November 12, 2016 |title=See how the Sound Transit vote went in your neighborhood — and everywhere else |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/planned-light-rail-areas-big-backers-of-sound-transit-3/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=February 27, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228163348/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/planned-light-rail-areas-big-backers-of-sound-transit-3/ |archive-date=February 28, 2018 }}

{{Referendum

| title = Regional Transportation Authority Proposition No. 1, November 8, 2016

| yes = 717,116

| yespct = 54.05

| no = 609,608

| nopct = 45.95

| majorityneeded = 50

| noicons =

| valid =

| validpct =

| invalidname =

| invalid =

| invalidpct =

| total = 1,326,724

| turnoutpct =

| turnoutneeded =

| electorate =

| VAP =

| VAPturnoutpct =

| source = King County Elections{{cite web |date=November 29, 2016 |title=Regional Transportation Authority Proposition No. 1 Light-Rail, Commuter-Rail, and Bus Service Expansion |url=https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20161108/king/Breakdown-113817.html |publisher=King County Elections |access-date=January 9, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170726215547/http://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20161108/king/Breakdown-113817.html |archive-date=July 26, 2017 }}

}}

=By county=

class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: right"
scope="col" \| County ! scope="col" \| Yes votes ! scope="col" \| No votes ! scope="col" \| Yes (%) ! scope="col" \| No (%) ! scope="col" \| Total votes
scope="row" style="text-align:left"\|King \| 496,018 \| 360,451 \| {{Yes\|57.91\|align=right}} \| 42.09 \| 829,469
scope="row" style="text-align:left"\|Pierce \| 122,603 \| 154,538 \| 44.24 \| {{No\|55.76\|align=right}} \| 277,141
scope="row" style="text-align:left"\|Snohomish \| 98,495 \| 94,619 \| {{Yes\|51.00\|align=right}} \| 49.00 \| 193,114
scope="row" style="text-align:left"\|Total ! style="text-align:right"\|717,116 ! style="text-align:right"\|609,608 ! {{Yes\|54.05\|align=right}} ! style="text-align:right"\|45.95 ! style="text-align:right"\|1,326,724
colspan="6" style="font-size:85%; text-align:left"\|Source: King County Elections

class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: right"

scope="col" | County

! scope="col" | Yes votes

! scope="col" | No votes

! scope="col" | Yes (%)

! scope="col" | No (%)

! scope="col" | Total votes

scope="row" style="text-align:left"|King

| 496,018

| 360,451

| {{Yes|57.91|align=right}}

| 42.09

| 829,469

scope="row" style="text-align:left"|Pierce

| 122,603

| 154,538

| 44.24

| {{No|55.76|align=right}}

| 277,141

scope="row" style="text-align:left"|Snohomish

| 98,495

| 94,619

| {{Yes|51.00|align=right}}

| 49.00

| 193,114

scope="row" style="text-align:left"|Total

! style="text-align:right"|717,116

! style="text-align:right"|609,608

! {{Yes|54.05|align=right}}

! style="text-align:right"|45.95

! style="text-align:right"|1,326,724

colspan="6" style="font-size:85%; text-align:left"|Source: King County Elections

Aftermath

Work on implementation of the program's elements began in the following days, with Sound Transit approving preliminary engineering on light rail extensions to downtown Redmond and Federal Way, which were deferred in 2010 and included in the package.{{cite press release |date=November 10, 2016 |title=Voters approve historic Sound Transit 3 measure |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/voters-approve-historic-sound-transit-3-measure |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=November 10, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111011332/http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/voters-approve-historic-sound-transit-3-measure |archive-date=November 11, 2016 }} Preliminary engineering work on the Ballard and West Seattle extensions was approved by Sound Transit in September 2017.{{cite press release |date=September 28, 2017 |title=Sound Transit moves forward with West Seattle and Ballard light rail project |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/sound-transit-moves-forward-west-seattle-and |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=January 9, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109182925/https://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/sound-transit-moves-forward-west-seattle-and |archive-date=January 9, 2018 }}

Sound Transit stated that project timelines could be accelerated with federal grants and streamlined permitting from local governments. Weeks after the vote, the agency applied to borrow $2 billion in federal funding, at a low interest rate, to help accelerate Sound Transit 2 projects and save capital costs for Sound Transit 3 projects further in the future.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=November 28, 2016 |title=Sound Transit moves fast to get deals on loans, bonds for big expansion |page=B4 |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-moves-fast-to-get-deals-on-loans-bonds-for-big-expansion/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201145208/http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-moves-fast-to-get-deals-on-loans-bonds-for-big-expansion/ |archive-date=December 1, 2016 }} Sound Transit was given an upgraded bond credit rating, from Aa1/Aa2 to Aaa/Aa1, by Moody's Investors Service after the passage of the measure and successful issuance of federal bonds.{{cite press release |date=November 29, 2016 |title=Moody's Upgrades Sound Transit (WA) Prior/Parity Bonds to Aaa/Aa1 from Aa1/Aa2; outlook stable |url=https://www.moodys.com/research/Moodys-Upgrades-Sound-Transit-WA-PriorParity-Bonds-to-AaaAa1-from--PR_903745353 |publisher=Moody's Investors Service |access-date=December 2, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202082558/https://www.moodys.com/research/Moodys-Upgrades-Sound-Transit-WA-PriorParity-Bonds-to-AaaAa1-from--PR_903745353 |archive-date=December 2, 2016 }}

After the passage of Sound Transit 3, local transit advocacy group Seattle Subway proposed a second ballot measure to approve full bonding to finance an accelerated timeline for projects; the new ballot measure would require 60 percent of voters to approve, per the state's supermajority requirement for bonds and levies.{{cite news |last=Johnson |first=Graham |date=November 18, 2016 |title=Transit advocates call for second light rail vote to speed construction |url=http://www.kiro7.com/news/local/transit-advocates-call-for-second-light-rail-vote-to-speed-construction/468572218 |publisher=KIRO 7 News |access-date=November 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201060326/http://www.kiro7.com/news/local/transit-advocates-call-for-second-light-rail-vote-to-speed-construction/468572218 |archive-date=December 1, 2016 }} The group lobbied for a state house bill in 2021 that would allow the city of Seattle to fund its own large-scale transit projects through a voter-approved referendum without seeking authority from the state legislature.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=February 15, 2021 |title=Is another transit-tax measure on the horizon for Seattle? |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/is-another-transit-tax-measure-on-the-horizon-for-seattle/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=February 16, 2021}}

=MVET controversy=

The new motor vehicle excise tax (MVET; also known as "car tabs") took effect on March 1, 2017, raising the rate from 0.3 percent to 1.1 percent per $10,000 of a vehicle's depreciated value.{{cite news |last=Millman |first=Zosha |date=March 1, 2017 |title=Here's why your car tabs cost more now |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/Here-s-why-your-car-tabs-cost-more-starting-March-10969778.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=February 27, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226235222/https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/Here-s-why-your-car-tabs-cost-more-starting-March-10969778.php |archive-date=February 26, 2018 }}{{cite web |title=Car tab (RTA MVET) FAQ |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/motor-vehicle-excise-tax-frequently-asked-questions.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=February 27, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228040142/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/motor-vehicle-excise-tax-frequently-asked-questions.pdf |archive-date=February 28, 2018 }} The first reminders for car tab renewals were sent to vehicle owners in January, leading to "sticker shock" and public outcry.{{cite news |last=Gutman |first=David |date=February 17, 2017 |title=Sticker shock as much higher car-tab bills land in mailboxes |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sticker-shock-much-higher-car-tab-bills-landing-in-mailboxes/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 9, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023231517/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sticker-shock-much-higher-car-tab-bills-landing-in-mailboxes/ |archive-date=October 23, 2017 }} Much of the controversy focused on the formula used to calculate the value of a vehicle, which was adopted by the state legislature in 1990 and overvalued vehicles during their first ten years compared to a conventional Kelley Blue Book valuation.{{cite news |last=Gutman |first=David |date=February 27, 2017 |title=Sound Transit uses inflated car values to collect higher tab fees |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-uses-inflated-car-values-to-collect-higher-tab-fees/ |access-date=January 9, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927162247/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-uses-inflated-car-values-to-collect-higher-tab-fees/ |archive-date=September 27, 2017 }} A revised formula was introduced in 2006, reducing the valuation of newer vehicles, but it was not implemented by the legislature during the 2015 session despite being introduced as a floor amendment in the State Senate.{{cite news |last=Santos |first=Melissa |date=April 15, 2017 |title=How did Sound Transit 3's inflated car-tab fees slip by lawmakers? |url=http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/politics-government/article144829234.html |work=The News Tribune |location=Tacoma, Washington |access-date=February 27, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228161545/http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/politics-government/article144829234.html |archive-date=February 28, 2018 }} Under Sound Transit 3, the 1990 valuation would be used until the Sound Move excise tax expires in 2028 and be replaced by the newer valuation.

During the 2017 session, House Republicans attempted to move legislation allowing cities to exempt themselves from the Sound Transit district onto the floor, but were blocked by the Democratic majority, who were seeking to use their own MVET reform proposal.{{cite news |last=Santos |first=Melissa |date=April 5, 2017 |title=Republicans stage short-lived showdown over Sound Transit 3. 'We're protecting our constituents' |url=http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/politics-government/article142780794.html |work=The News Tribune |location=Tacoma, Washington |access-date=February 27, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228100740/http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/politics-government/article142780794.html |archive-date=February 28, 2018 }} The Senate Law and Justice Committee conducted an investigation into the legislature's passing of taxing authority, with Republican members concluding that it had been unconstitutional and included misleading statements. The investigation was dismissed by Sound Transit as a "partisan endeavor" and criticized by Democratic members of the committee over its secrecy and timing weeks before a special State Senate election.{{cite news |last=Gutman |first=David |date=October 23, 2017 |title=Sound Transit misled lawmakers on tax plan, Republican-led Senate panel says |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-misled-lawmakers-on-tax-plan-republican-led-senate-panel-says/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=February 27, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228163331/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-misled-lawmakers-on-tax-plan-republican-led-senate-panel-says/ |archive-date=February 28, 2018 }} Anti-tax activist Tim Eyman attempted to file an initiative to cap the car tab fee at $30, but failed to collect the minimum number of signatures required for the November 2018 ballot.{{cite news |last=Gutman |first=David |date=December 29, 2017 |title=Tim Eyman initiative to toss Sound Transit car-tab tax fails to collect enough signatures |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/tim-eyman-initiative-to-toss-sound-transit-car-tab-tax-fails-to-garner-enough-signatures/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=February 27, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228100842/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/tim-eyman-initiative-to-toss-sound-transit-car-tab-tax-fails-to-garner-enough-signatures/ |archive-date=February 28, 2018 }}

The Democrats, with a majority in both houses of the state legislature, re-introduced their own MVET reduction proposal during the 2018 legislative session. Sound Transit estimated that the bill would reduce revenue by $780 million over the next 11 years, and also introduce indirect impacts to debt costs and project delivery schedules.{{cite news |last=Gutman |first=David |date=January 15, 2018 |title=Democrats in Olympia still wrestling with car-tab tax cut |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/despite-one-party-control-washington-legislature-still-wrestling-over-sound-transit-car-tab-taxes/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=February 27, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228100837/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/despite-one-party-control-washington-legislature-still-wrestling-over-sound-transit-car-tab-taxes/ |archive-date=February 28, 2018 }} The bill was passed by the State House in late January.{{cite news |last=Cornfield |first=Jerry |date=January 24, 2018 |title=House passes car tab fees fix, bill goes to Senate |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/news/house-passes-car-tab-fees-fix-bill-goes-to-senate/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=February 27, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228163043/http://www.heraldnet.com/news/house-passes-car-tab-fees-fix-bill-goes-to-senate/ |archive-date=February 28, 2018 }} To mitigate the financial impact, the Senate Transportation Committee proposed a $518 million exemption from sales taxes that would have been paid by Sound Transit into the education fund.{{cite news |last=Cornfield |first=Jerry |date=February 7, 2018 |title=Senate finds a way to give some of us refunds on car tabs |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/news/new-car-tab-calcuation-could-have-people-owing-less/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=February 27, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228161537/http://www.heraldnet.com/news/new-car-tab-calcuation-could-have-people-owing-less/ |archive-date=February 28, 2018 }} The Senate bill was passed on March 1,{{cite news |last=Cornfield |first=Jerry |date=March 1, 2018 |title=State Senate OKs new way to calculate Sound Transit car fees |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/state-senate-oks-new-way-to-calculate-sound-transit-car-fees/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=March 2, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302163114/http://www.heraldnet.com/news/state-senate-oks-new-way-to-calculate-sound-transit-car-fees/ |archive-date=March 2, 2018 }} but the House were reluctant to agree to a reduction in education funding. Negotiations broke down and the session ended on March 8 without the bill passing.{{cite news |last=Gutman |first=David |date=March 9, 2018 |title=For second year in a row, Washington lawmakers can't agree to cut car-tab taxes |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/for-second-year-in-a-row-washington-lawmakers-cant-agree-to-cut-car-tab-taxes/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=March 9, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309190001/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/for-second-year-in-a-row-washington-lawmakers-cant-agree-to-cut-car-tab-taxes/ |archive-date=March 9, 2018 }}

In June 2018, a class-action lawsuit against Sound Transit was filed in the Pierce County Superior Court by seven residents, alleging that Sound Transit 3 was unconstitutional due to its use of the old formula.{{cite news |last=Gutman |first=David |date=June 5, 2018 |title=Class-action lawsuit filed against Sound Transit over car-tab fees |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/class-action-lawsuit-filed-against-sound-transit-over-car-tab-fees/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=June 6, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180606030011/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/class-action-lawsuit-filed-against-sound-transit-over-car-tab-fees/ |archive-date=June 6, 2018 }} The lawsuit was promoted by state senator Phil Fortunato, a Republican from Auburn who claimed to have organized the case, but the case's lead attorney said that his involvement was exaggerated for the sake of his re-election campaign.{{cite news |last=Orenstein |first=Walker |date=June 6, 2018 |title=GOP lawmaker exaggerated his role in Sound Transit lawsuit, lead attorney says |url=http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/politics-government/article212660719.html |work=The News Tribune |access-date=June 6, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180607035102/http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/politics-government/article212660719.html |archive-date=June 7, 2018 }}

Tim Eyman filed Initiative 976 (I-976) to limit MVET fees to $30 statewide, in part as a response to the passage of Sound Transit 3. It was placed on the November 2019 ballot and was passed by 53 percent of voters, but its legality has been disputed; the King County Superior Court issued an injunction a few weeks after the election that halted implementation of the new MVET scheme.{{cite news |last=Groover |first=Heidi |date=November 27, 2019 |title=Tim Eyman's car-tab measure on temporary hold, judge orders |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/tim-eymans-car-tab-measure-on-hold-judge-orders/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 5, 2019}} I-976 would have an estimated impact of $1.9 billion in lost revenue for the program.{{cite news |last=Groover |first=Heidi |date=September 29, 2019 |title=Tim Eyman's Initiative 976 returns fight over car-tab taxes to the spotlight |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/tim-eymans-initiative-976-returns-fight-over-car-tab-taxes-to-the-spotlight/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 9, 2019}}

=Funding issues=

The economic disruption following the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic is projected to cause $8 billion to $12 billion in lost tax revenue for Sound Transit through the end of the ST3 program in 2041. In June 2020, the Sound Transit Board called for an agency realignment program to prioritize projects in the ST3 package while deferring others.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=June 3, 2020 |title=Sound Transit leaders warn projects must be canceled or delayed to keep cash from running dry |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-leaders-warn-cash-and-credit-will-run-dry-if-trims-not-made/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=June 5, 2020}} In January 2021, Sound Transit estimated that the program had a $11.5 billion funding shortfall for ST3 projects due to various factors, including $6 billion attributed to lost tax revenue due to the pandemic recession. Property acquisition and additions to project scope at the request of community groups were also named as contributing factors to the shortfall.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=February 14, 2021 |title=Sound Transit faces a $11.5 billion shortfall. Now what's it going to do? |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-faces-a-11-5-billion-shortfall-now-whats-it-going-to-do/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=February 16, 2021}}

On August 5, 2021, the Sound Transit Board approved a realignment plan for ST3 projects, delaying most projects to save costs and account for the halt in environmental review during the pandemic. Under the realignment plan, most light rail extensions would be delayed four to five years, while additional Sounder trips on the South Line would be delayed to 2046. Several projects were also split, with temporary termini for the Ballard and Everett light rail extensions added to accelerate service for some areas.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=August 5, 2021 |title=Two light-rail stations in Seattle escape ST3 budget chopping, most other projects delayed |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/two-light-rail-stations-in-seattle-escape-st3-budget-chopping-most-other-projects-delayed/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=August 5, 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Lindblom |first1=Mike |last2=Baruchman |first2=Michelle |date=August 15, 2021 |title=Sound Transit faces a $6.5 billion shortfall. Here's what it might do |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-faces-a-6-5-billion-shortfall-heres-what-it-might-do/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=August 15, 2021}}

References

External links

[http://soundtransit3.org/ Official website]
[https://www.soundtransit.org/Projects-and-Plans/system-expansion Sound Transit: System expansion]
[http://projects.seattletimes.com/2016/st3-guide/ ST3: What you'd pay, what you'd get] from The Seattle Times
[https://web.archive.org/web/20161026202730/http://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/elections/how-to-vote/ballots/whats-on-the-ballot/ballot-measures/november-general/list-of-measures/sound-transit.aspx King County Elections guide]

Category:2016 in Seattle

Category:2016 in Washington (state)

Category:Government of Seattle

Category:Local elections in Washington (state)

Category:Sound Transit

Category:Transportation ballot measures in the United States

Category:Transportation in King County, Washington

Category:Transportation in Pierce County, Washington

Category:Transportation in Snohomish County, Washington

Category:2016 Washington (state) elections

Category:Municipal elections in Seattle