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Story perspectives

Sound Transit Considers Cost Cuts Amid Budget Shortfalls

3/20/2026

28 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Sound Transit faces budget shortfalls, prompting three cost-cutting options for the ST3 light rail expansion.
Board members discussed deferring or truncating projects, including West Seattle and Ballard extensions.
None of the proposals would fully deliver light rail to Ballard, prompting concerns from Councilmember Dan Strauss.
The board aims to adopt a revised ST3 plan by May, but rising costs keep the outcome uncertain.

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Story summary

Sound Transit faces budget shortfalls, prompting three cost-cutting options for the ST3 light rail expansion.
Board members discussed deferring or truncating projects, including West Seattle and Ballard extensions.
None of the proposals would fully deliver light rail to Ballard, prompting concerns from Councilmember Dan Strauss.
The board aims to adopt a revised ST3 plan by May, but rising costs keep the outcome uncertain.