THURSDAY: Sound Transit Board to consider ‘guiding principles’ for potentially plan-changing Enterprise Initiative

When Sound Transit board members gather for their monthly meeting Thursday afternoon, one item on the agenda is of particular interest to those tracking the West Seattle light-rail plan: Another update on the in-development Enterprise Initiative. As we reported a month ago, this is now the name for the package of policies that ST expects will help it reshape ST3 next year, into something more affordable. That could mean changes for the West Seattle project, currently projected to cost $7 billion, far more than ST has budgeted.

At Thursday’s meeting the board will consider proposed “guiding principles” for the Enterprise Initiative, laid out in this document. It warns, “If the agency does not take proactive measures via this Enterprise Initiative, the ST3 program will become unaffordable, and we risk our ability to operate a dependable, resilient, and safe system.” Among other subsequent points, the principles charge CEO Dow Constantine with ” the goal of achieving a balanced and affordable long-range finance plan and a clear path to deliver the benefits of Sound Transit projects and services as quickly as possible.” It subsequently says. “The framework and its implementation will comply with the ST3 voter-approved ballot measure … and should plan for the following outputs: an updated System Plan, with modified capital and operating plans; an updated Long-Range Plan that looks beyond ST3; and a balanced and affordable long-range finance plan.” Then there are promises of “inclusive collaboration” and “transparent governance,” and a final section where you could read the most between the lines regarding where West Seattle fits in, as there is a reiteration of prioritizing completion of the system “spine” (which West Seattle is not on) and a nod to “fiscal integrity,” yet another indirect reminder of this project’s price tag. As of this writing, there’s also one proposed amendment, by Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, primarily adding a goal of supporting future growth.

The meeting starts at 1:30 pm Thursday at ST headquarters, and you can attend in person or online, with public comment accepted both ways, as explained in the agenda document.

Chuck Jacobs August 28, 2025 (4:49 am)

Here’s an article from 2022 describing how the ST3 budget had ballooned $50 billion and 5 years timeline. They’re using official sounding words like “enterprise initiative” and “guiding principles” to obfuscate the upcoming reductions in service area and amenities along with massive increases in timeline and taxpayer costs. By all means, keep voting for billions in new taxes because, “we have to do something”. https://www.washingtonpolicy.org/publications/detail/in-five-years-sound-transit-has-racked-up-an-additional-50-billion-for-rail-plan

Al King August 28, 2025 (5:57 am)

Considering the comments here about the need for light rail I don’t know why ST is concerned about cost. It’s clear a blank check has been signed, and people do not care what the final cost is.

Brian August 28, 2025 (11:22 am)

It’s always a good idea to consider the comments section of a local blog when you’re budgeting for a project. Whole hearted and full throated agreement there. No notes.

Liam August 28, 2025 (7:17 am)

At what point do we just say no? This albatross has ballooned to $7 billion, and ST is now worried that it could become unaffordable and inoperable in a safe manner?! We did not vote then for the $7 billion (and counting) behemoth that this has become. And Harrell’s go-to answer, as always, for paying for it? Future growth. I’m not saying West Seattle shouldn’t change and I’m not anti-affordable housing. Harrell’s just too willing to turn this community over to developers, taking decisions about the shape of West Seattle’s future out of local residents’ hands – a community where he does not live and views only as a cash cow. I’ve seen this play out elsewhere and I say no thanks. It’s time for new ideas that start with reducing the need for transportation, especially during ‘rush hours’. Just imagine what that $7 billion investment directly into this community could do. Seattle’s corporations have a role in this too and should not demand clogging our transit options unnecessarily. Yes, 21st century work arrangements are part of the solution and also, how about some of them coming here to us first. Open offices and increase much needed employment right here in West Seattle? There are solutions to smart growth that don’t involve unaffordable infrastructure and expansive capital ‘improvements’ to back-door pay for them. Let’s explore making better use of what we already have – bigger safer bike routes, more efficient busses, flexible work arrangements and the technology to support them, road maintenance, expand water taxi service. We have so much to work with already, we need to be smarter and more creative with how we enhance it. Light rail was a good idea $6 billion ago. How it’s panned out and will continue to pan out is not worth the tiny rail spur that it would add to an already far-from-adequate light rail system. And certainly not worth turning West Seattle into a developers’ paradise. Are there more insightful leaders to be found, to step forward and bring sensibility to these issues?

pelicans August 28, 2025 (7:54 pm)

Well said.

Thoman August 28, 2025 (8:15 am)

All civic transportation projects that need major new infrastructure go over budget. All of them all the time forever. Often by 100% or more into the billions of dollars. This is because everything is harder and more expensive than anyone ever thinks, but also because we all know we would never agree upfront to anything like the real costs, so we collectively pretend “this time it will be different”. We won’t avoid this problem this time or any time in the future

Anne August 28, 2025 (8:33 am)

It warns, “If the agency does not take proactive measures via this Enterprise Initiative, the ST3 program will become unaffordable” Are they kidding??? It’s already $7Billion -does anyone think it won’t cost more by the time they actually get started? How much more costly does it need to get before it’s “ unaffordable”??

Jay August 28, 2025 (9:00 am)

Obstructionists are dooming the project. Every mayor and city council member in the service area needs a bribe (just look at the demands). Local groups of NIMBYs are typing up staff and engineering time and forcing the commissioning of redundant studies. The lack of central planning authority for this project is enabling the worst of us to balloon costs and delay the project. And now these jerks get to celebrate the cost and schedule impacts as a reason to kill the project altogether.

Delridge Engineer August 28, 2025 (12:34 pm)

Good job vilifying your neighbors for something they have nothing to do with. Big civil projects take years to design and plan prior to implementation. Your NIMBYs have nothing to do with the jurisdictional requirements and obligations of building a heavy civil project in an urban environment on seismically hazardous soils. While you’re clutching your pearls about online comments, there are engineers hard at work making this happen. It’s complicated and will take some time. Stop hating your neighbors for nonsense.
- bill August 28, 2025 (12:53 pm)
  
  This time, this time perhaps you might be right. But in general NIMBYs have done a spectacular job delaying the train.
  - Al King August 28, 2025 (4:21 pm)
    
    Bill. Educate us with actual facts that “NIMBYs” are solely responsible for any of the delays or cost overruns

Stephen August 28, 2025 (9:05 am)

I just wanna ride the choochoo.

k August 28, 2025 (9:33 am)

I seriously do not care what it costs. It will cost far more for me to keep driving and my children will continue to bear that cost if we don’t get real mass transit in this city. Just build it already and stop wasting time.

Russ August 28, 2025 (5:13 pm)

Why don’t you take the existing Rapid Rides that get to downtown just as fast as the light rail would? Did you notice the bus lane on the West Seattle Bridge and on I-99 north?Have you ever tried to ride the bus? Do you honestly think a light rail would be better than the existing bus services?Do you care about local businesses or homeowners?I’m sorry that your children have to bear the cost of driving. Are they old enough to drive?
- bill August 28, 2025 (10:27 pm)
  
  Um, yes I have ridden the bus from West Seattle to downtown. The bus lanes are not continuous and nothing prevents selfish car drivers from blocking them. Trains will run on time much better than busses.

98126res August 28, 2025 (10:02 am)

Clean up greater Seattle area FIRST including crime, graffiti, drugs, mental health crises that make the area a tough place to get around no matter what transportation used, much less returning it to the most liveable city of its past.

50 yr. Resident August 28, 2025 (11:31 am)

All of you bloggers are entitled to your opinions, and they are interesting to read but I suggest you read all the information and educate yourselves before commenting.

Crowski August 28, 2025 (2:59 pm)

Thank you 50 yr. resident. Here are some facts for WSBloggers:

WSLE Fails to Improve Transit Efficiency – The proposed project is expected to worsen transit service for West Seattle residents. Riders will face longer commutes, more transfers, and only a modest increase in daily ridership—an estimated 2,000 new riders by 2042.

High Cost With Minimal Returns – The project’s budget has soared from $1.7 billion to a staggering $6–7 billion. With costs per new rider exceeding $200,000, WSLE ranks among the most expensive light rail segments worldwide, particularly on a per-mile basis.

Environmental Impact Exceeds Climate Benefits – WSLE construction is projected to produce up to 146,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions, while also eliminating mature tree canopies and vital habitats for animals. The environmental damage will not be offset for 48 to 73 years—well past the timeline for achieving state climate goals.

Negligible Impact on Vehicle Use – Comparing the build and no-build scenarios reveals that the project will have a minimal impact on regional vehicle miles traveled or emissions, suggesting that WSLE will not cause a significant shift away from car usage.

Displacement of Homes and Businesses – WSLE will forcibly displace more than 165 homes and up to 133 businesses, affecting approximately 1,230 jobs. These impacts disproportionately target low-income and minority communities.

Concerns Over Equity and Accessibility – The current alignment mainly benefits wealthier neighborhoods, while less affluent, more diverse areas of West Seattle will experience increased transfer requirements and service gaps.

Viable, Cost-Effective Alternatives – Bus rapid transit (BRT) and enhanced Metro services could efficiently serve the same corridor at a much lower cost. These options offer greater flexibility, faster implementation, and reduced environmental harm.

Deviations from Sound Transit’s Original Commitments – The finalized plan differs significantly from the ST3 ballot measure approved in 2016. Key changes include splitting the project, extending timelines, and removing essential equity and environmental mitigation measures.

The Legality and Sense of a ‘No Build’ Option – Federal and state law require consideration of a No Build alternative during environmental review. The original ST3 measure allows for the cancellation of projects that are unaffordable or unfeasible, without requiring a public vote.

Lack of Transparency and Proper Analysis – Sound Transit did not conduct a comprehensive Modal Alternatives Analysis to fairly compare transit options. The decision to pursue light rail was made before the environmental review began, compromising the integrity of the process.
- My two cents August 28, 2025 (5:19 pm)
  
  Crowski – while I applaud your cut and paste efforts, kinda lacking context, sourcing of the information. Usually look for those things when people start stating the “facts”. Maybe you can bring up some monorail or gondola ideas too!

Build Baby Build August 28, 2025 (12:10 pm)

Blue cities need to be better at building things. If we don’t, then people will move to states that do. That’s why the projection for the 2030s is the republicans will have a lock on the electoral college and democrats can kiss goodbye to their priorities.

bill August 28, 2025 (12:50 pm)

That projection is the way it is because the Republicans are busy cementing minority-party rule through gerrymandering.
Russ August 28, 2025 (5:14 pm)

Feel free to move to Idaho.

Fiz August 28, 2025 (2:34 pm)

Prioritization is to complete the “spine”. West Seattle then is a “spur” and not a priority. It’s going to be a lot of years, folks, and likely never.