Sound Transit Briefs Chamber on Cross-Lake Opening and Enterprise Initiative

At the Bellevue Chamber’s Transportation Committee meeting on February 5, Sound Transit shared an update on the March 28 start of Link light rail’s cross-lake connection and outlined its “Enterprise Initiative,” a plan to align the Sound Transit 3 (ST3) program with long-term affordability. The conversation focused on project delivery, financial tradeoffs, and near-term decisions that will shape Eastside mobility and regional competitiveness.

Cross-Lake Link Opens March 28

Sound Transit confirmed that passenger service across Lake Washington will begin on March 28, completing the Eastside-to-Seattle connection on Line 2. The agency anticipates strong interest and plans to provide opening-day support across the system, including station ambassadors to assist riders with wayfinding and connections.

The cross-lake segment is a major milestone for the region, bringing fixed rail service onto a floating bridge for the first time. It also completes a multi-phase rollout that started with the South Bellevue to Redmond Technology Center segment and later expanded into Downtown Redmond. Sound Transit noted it is coordinating with local partners on opening-day station activities.

Key date and context

• March 28: Cross-lake connection opening day

• 35,000 people: Reported attendance at the initial Eastside opening day in 2024

Enterprise Initiative: Addressing ST3 Affordability

Sound Transit described the Enterprise Initiative as an agency-wide response to rising costs, updated revenue forecasts, and long-term operating needs as the system expands. The agency reported significant cost growth across parts of the ST3 capital program and emphasized that affordability must be addressed through choices about scope, sequencing, and policies.

The Enterprise Initiative groups potential solutions into four workstreams:

• Policy and planning

• Transit operations

• Capital delivery

• Finance

Sound Transit said the workstreams include “building blocks” intended to reduce costs, improve delivery timelines, and strengthen financial capacity.

Program details shared

• Reported cost growth: $34.5 billion across elements of the capital program

• Workstreams under review: policy/planning, transit operations, capital delivery, finance

Timeline, Process, and Eastside Priorities

Sound Transit is preparing scenarios and policy tradeoffs for Board review, starting with a retreat in March and followed by stakeholder engagement in the spring. The agency said it is aiming for Board decisions by the end of Q2 2026.

For the Eastside, Sound Transit reaffirmed that Stride bus rapid transit on I-405 remains part of the corridor’s master plan, is under construction, and is expected to move forward on its current scope and schedule while the agency evaluates other ST3 options.

Upcoming milestones

• March 18: Board retreat to review ST3 scenarios

• April to May: Stakeholder and public engagement

• End of Q2 2026: Target for Board decisions on an updated ST3 plan

Fares, Compliance, and Rider Experience

Committee members asked about fare revenue, compliance, and operational consistency as the network grows. Sound Transit referenced Board-adopted farebox recovery targets and shared that it has been directed to evaluate a fare-gate implementation study and a potential pilot.

Chamber President and CEO Joe Fain raised questions about how Sound Transit would determine where fare gates might be installed. Sound Transit indicated criteria could include ridership levels, terminal stations, and physical feasibility, along with rider navigation needs as the system adds lines and branching service.

Figures discussed

• Farebox recovery targets: minimum 15%, target 20% (systemwide)

• Morning peak travel pattern: 83% of Link passengers travel to only 10 stations

Alternatives, Phasing, and Third-Party Funding

Participants encouraged Sound Transit to consider deferrals, phasing strategies, and alternatives for ST3 projects while protecting Eastside investments already in service or under construction. Others emphasized the potential role of new financing tools, transit-oriented development near stations, and “value capture” strategies to better align growth with transit investments.

Sound Transit said joint development and value capture options are under review, alongside existing policies that prioritize affordable housing near stations. The agency noted that these conversations often involve policy tradeoffs between community outcomes and revenue generation.

What This Means for the Eastside Business Community

The March 28 cross-lake opening is a near-term mobility milestone that will improve access between the Eastside and Seattle. At the same time, Sound Transit’s Enterprise Initiative will influence the next phase of regional transit investment, including potential changes to ST3 scope, timing, and funding strategies.

The Bellevue Chamber will continue engaging Sound Transit and advocating for cost-effective, high-impact transportation solutions that support workers, residents, and employers across our region. To stay connected, subscribe to our newsletter and join us at upcoming Chamber events.