Sound Transit is proposing a number of service improvements in 2017 to meet growing demand and deliver voter-approved projects from 2008 that include adding two new Sounder commuter rail trips and improving schedule reliability on Sound Transit’s busiest bus routes.
The agency released the proposed changes on Nov. 1 as part of the annual Service Implementation Plan (SIP). The revamped plan for 2017 includes a wealth of information on system performance measures, ridership and planning criteria as Sound Transit addresses record-setting ridership demands.
The proposal is available at soundtransit.org/sip.
As part of the 2008 voter-approved Sound Transit 2 package of transportation investments, Sound Transit will add two new peak hour Sounder commuter rail trips between Lakewood and Seattle, with stops in Kent, in September 2017. The exact departure times are still to be determined and will be set based on customer feedback and coordination with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway and Amtrak.
The draft SIP also includes about 15,000 additional annual platform hours for ST Express bus service to improve schedule reliability and service quality. In early 2017, Sound Transit service planners will conduct a detailed analysis to identify where the additional trips are most needed.
In addition to the added service hours, Sound Transit will also roll out 32 new double-deck buses on Snohomish County routes and will add longer buses to its busiest routes in King and Pierce counties.
The public is invited to comment on the new service proposals online, in person or email through Dec. 1. Comment on the proposed service changes by phone at 1-866-940-4387 or email fastride@soundtransit.org.
An open house about the proposals is from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1 at the Union Station Great Hall, 401 S. Jackson St., in Seattle.
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