The $54 billion ST3 plan would add 62 miles of light rail over 25 years.
Martin H. Duke writes the fourth in a series of articles detailing the Sound Transit 3 (ST3) ballot initiative, scheduled for a vote in November. Previous posts (1,2, and 3) detailed the phases of development proposed by the ballot initiative, while the most recent post details the costs to the individual tax payer.
ST3 proposes a mix of sales, vehicle, and property taxes. The Seattle Times has created an ST3 tax increase calculator to help people figure out how much the individual tax burden will be (i.e., about $169 a year, or 46 cents a day, for the average resident).
Duke's article demystifies some of the rationale behind the variety of figures that have been cited to describe the cost of the projects proposed by ST3. After considering all these costs, Duke also pronounces: "ST3 is the most plausible path to deliver wide-ranging alternatives to congestion and to direct growth into more sustainable corridors."
An article by Daniel Beekman from June 2016 offers traditional daily newspaper coverage of the ST3 plan. For information of the official variety, the ST3 plan has its own interactive map.
FULL STORY: Sound Transit 3: What Does It Cost?
Checking in on the Progress of the Sound Transit 3 Plan
The Seattle area's $53.8 billion transit expansion plan is moving along in fits and starts.
The Northgate Link Extension Is Great, But Voters Want More
A recent survey of Seattle voters finds widespread support for the continued expansion of the Link light rail system in Seattle.
Alternatives Explored for West Seattle and Ballard Light Rail Extensions
Plans to extend the Sound Transit light rail system are moving forward. Elected officials have a big choice to make that will determine the cost and scope of the projects.
The Slow Death of Ride Sharing
From the beginning, TNCs like Lyft and Uber touted shared rides as their key product. Now, Lyft is ending the practice.
Cool Walkability Planning
Shadeways (covered sidewalks) and pedways (enclosed, climate controlled walkways) can provide comfortable walkability in hot climates. The Cool Walkshed Index can help plan these facilities.
Illinois Legislators Pass Controversial I-55 Road Expansion Legislation
Legislation to enable the addition of express toll lanes on Interstate 55 in the Southwest Side of Chicago, opposed by environmental justice advocates, cleared the Illinois General Assembly last month.
How San Diego Camping Ban Could Impact Neighborhoods
An ordinance supported by the city’s mayor would bar people from sleeping on the street near shelters or services, but critics say it will simply push people to other neighborhoods and put them farther away from the supportive services they need.
Expanding Access to Golf in South Los Angeles
L.A. County’s Maggie Hathaway Golf Course getting up to $15 Million from U.S. Open Community Legacy Project to expand access to the sport in South L.A.
Opinion: Failed Housing Bills Could Signal California-Style Housing Crisis in Texas
Legislators in a state that so often touts its policies as the opposite of California’s defeated several bills that would have made housing construction easier, leading to concerns that a constricted housing market may exacerbate the housing crisis.
Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department
City of Bangor
Park City Municipal Corporation
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Montrose County
Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department
City of Lomita
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
