The slide presented during the Sound Transit Executive Committee meeting on Feb. 26 showed the financial challenge facing the agency.
Sound Transit
At its February 26, 2026, meeting, the Sound Transit Board of Directors approved a sweeping new sustainability plan and addressed a daunting $34.5 billion “affordability challenge” as the agency prepares for a massive influx of riders for the upcoming World Cup.
The board officially adopted Motion No. M2026-06, which implements the 2026–2030 Sustainability Plan. A central pillar of the motion is a commitment to end the purchase of fossil fuel-propelled revenue fleet vehicles by 2030. Sustainability Director Amy Shatskin noted that while the agency has already seen a 16% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2019, this new phase focuses on “deepening our work” through fleet decarbonization and climate resiliency.
However, the path to sustainability faced criticism from the public record. In a letter submitted to the board, Martin Westerman joined others in “opposing motion number M2026-06 while highlighting the need for lower carbon and more sustainable transit solutions,” according to a summary of written comments provided by the board clerk.
Community Demands and Fiscal Realities
The board’s ambitions are set against a sobering financial backdrop. Chief Financial Officer Alex Craig reported that the agency must bridge a $34.5 billion gap in cost savings or new funding to deliver the full ST3 program. Chair Dave Summers attributed these “headwinds” to a massive escalation in construction costs, which have risen over 70% in just the last six years.
The “Purple Shirt” contingent from Issaquah dominated the public comment gallery, urging the board to keep its promises to East King County. “Voter trust is fragile,” warned Issaquah City Councilmember Kevin Nichols, noting that his city is ready to partner on costs to ensure light rail reaches the area. Other residents, like Michelle Greeno, told the board they had made major “life decisions” based on the promise of future transit.
The board also heard from members of the Chinatown International District (CID). Betty Laauo and Brian Chow urged the agency to correct the name of the “International District/Chinatown Station” to “Chinatown International District Station” to reflect the neighborhood’s actual name.
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Special Report: Welcoming the World – World Cup Preparedness
As Seattle prepares to host six matches at “Seattle Stadium” (Lumen Field), Sound Transit officials detailed a “worst-case scenario” planning model to handle international crowds.
Service and Logistics:
- Increased Frequency: On match days, the 1 Line and 2 Line will run every 8 minutes until 1:00 AM, creating a 4-minute combined frequency in the downtown core.
- Station Strategy: To manage crowds, FIFA will implement a “robust perimeter” starting in mid-May. Sound Transit will use a “preferred station approach”: south-end riders will use Stadium Station, north-end riders will use Pioneer Square, and east-side or mobility-impaired riders will be directed to the International District Station.
- Multi-Day Passes: A new 3-day Orca pass pilot will launch in June to ease fare payment for visitors.
Passenger Experience:
- Wayfinding: The agency is pivoting to icon-based communications and multilingual signage to assist non-English speaking visitors.
- Amenities: “Throne Labs”—innovative, high-tech bathrooms—will be deployed at three locations across the system.
- Staffing: Station ambassadors, increased security, and “fair engagement staff” will be stationed on platforms to manage the anticipated “intensity” of match days.
Strategic Advisor Juan Huer warned that June 19th will be particularly high-intensity, as Seattle will host both a FIFA match featuring the US Men’s National Team and a Mariners game simultaneously.
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