Sound Transit officials on Thursday unveiled a sweeping cost-reduction plan that proposes deferring several planned parking garage projects across the region to address a massive $34.5 billion capital funding gap.

The proposal, described as the agency's clearest strategy yet to stabilize its expansion program, seeks to prioritize core light rail extensions over auto-access facilities.

By shelving parking investments, the agency hopes to keep major projects—including the West Seattle, Ballard, and Tacoma Dome Link extensions—moving forward despite rising costs.

Prioritizing Rail Over Parking

The agency is currently grappling with severe financial pressures driven by inflation in construction materials, higher labor costs, and real estate acquisition overruns. Deferring parking is viewed as one of the few remaining "levers" the agency can pull to save billions without immediately delaying the opening of new rail lines.

Affected projects include parking facilities associated with the Tacoma Dome Link, Everett Link, and Stride bus rapid transit, as well as access projects in Edmonds, Mukilteo, and north Sammamish.

“This affordable ST3 capital program also establishes a regional parking fund of approximately $100 million, recognizing that the vast majority of funding for parking investment ends up in the deferred category,” said Sound Transit Deputy CEO Brooke Belman. Belman noted the fund would help support "creative opportunities" for parking in locations where structured garages are being postponed.

Significant Service Trade-offs

The parking deferrals are part of a broader package of cuts and efficiencies. Chief Financial Officer Hughey Newsome stated the agency has already identified $11 billion to $13 billion in reductions. However, the plan also includes significant service trade-offs, such as:

• Delaying the South Kirkland-to-Issaquah project until 2050.
• Discontinuing Sounder North service in 2033.
• Moving forward with the West Seattle Link extension while eliminating the Avalon Station.

"No Version Without Trade-offs"

Local leaders emphasized that while the decisions are difficult, they are necessary to complete the regional transit "spine." Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson expressed support for the shift, stating her highest priority is getting "shovels in the ground" for shovel-ready projects like West Seattle.

Executive Committee Chair Dave Somers addressed concerns about the changes to voter-approved plans, clarifying that the proposal does not represent a decision to "permanently defer or eliminate" projects. “There is no version of this plan that doesn't involve trade-offs," Somers said.

The Sound Transit Board is expected to review public feedback and potentially take action on the proposal during its May 28 meeting.

These capital adjustments are separate from the agency's new paid parking permit program.