Construction update: Stride bus rapid transit – Sound Transit

Report on the Sound Transit Stride Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Program

Sound Transit is expanding its regional transportation network with the introduction of Stride Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), a new high-capacity service developed under the voter-approved ST3 expansion plan. This initiative is designed to advance sustainable urban development by providing efficient, accessible, and environmentally friendly transit options, directly contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Project Overview and Strategic Goals

The Stride BRT program will introduce three new lines connecting communities north, east, and south of Lake Washington, enhancing regional mobility and providing sustainable transportation alternatives. The system is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing services, including Link light rail, King County Metro, and Community Transit.

Service Lines and Timeline

• S1 and S3 Lines: Scheduled to become operational in 2028.
• S2 Line: Scheduled to become operational in 2029.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Stride BRT program is fundamentally aligned with global sustainability targets, making significant contributions to several key SDGs.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

By making cities and transportation systems more inclusive, safe, and resilient, the Stride program directly addresses SDG 11.

• Enhanced Accessibility: The network’s 48 miles of service and 25 stations will provide reliable and affordable transit, connecting communities and improving access to economic opportunities.
• Integrated Transport Systems: The project facilitates easy transfers to other transit modes, creating a cohesive and sustainable regional transportation network.
• Safe and Accessible Infrastructure: Partnerships with cities like Kirkland and Shoreline to develop new pedestrian and bicycle paths support safe, multi-modal access to transit stations.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The project embodies SDG 9 by building resilient, sustainable infrastructure and fostering innovation in public transportation.

• Innovative Design for Efficiency: Travel times are reduced through innovative infrastructure, including:
  1. Inline freeway stations with direct access to I-405 express toll lanes, minimizing delays.
  2. Off-board payment systems, multiple-door boarding, and large platforms to streamline passenger flow.
• Modern Station Amenities: Stations will feature real-time arrival displays, ticket vending machines, and distinct branding to improve the user experience.

SDG 13: Climate Action

Stride BRT contributes to climate action by promoting low-carbon transportation.

• Electric Fleet: The new Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility (BOMF) in Bothell is equipped to service and charge a fleet of battery-electric double-decker and articulated buses, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Reduced Traffic Congestion: By offering a competitive alternative to single-occupancy vehicles on major highways like I-405, the service helps mitigate traffic congestion and associated emissions.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The program’s success is built on a foundation of multi-stakeholder collaboration, reflecting the principles of SDG 17.

• Governmental Collaboration: A long-standing partnership with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is central to delivering highway interchange modifications and key infrastructure components.
• Municipal Partnerships: Sound Transit is working with cities including Bothell, Kirkland, Shoreline, Renton, and Kenmore on integrated projects such as lane construction and pedestrian improvements.
• Contractual Partnerships: Contracts with private sector firms like Atkinson Construction, Shimmick Construction, and MV Transportation, Inc., are essential for construction and operational phases.

Implementation and Project Milestones

Collaborative Construction Efforts

Project delivery is a shared responsibility. WSDOT is leading construction on several key projects related to I-405 improvements. Sound Transit is directly managing the construction of other critical assets, including:

• The Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility (BOMF).
• The Burien and Renton Transit Centers (S1 Line).
• Improvements along Poplar Way in Lynnwood (S2 Line).
• Corridor work in Seattle, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, and Bothell (S3 Line).
• Installation of all station shelters, communication systems, and platform amenities.

Recent Progress and Contract Approvals

1. August 2025: Groundbreaking ceremony held for the Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility in Bothell.
2. September 2025: The Sound Transit Board approved a construction contract with Atkinson Construction for the Kenmore and Bothell portion of the S3 Line.
3. October 2025: The Board approved a construction contract with Shimmick Construction for the Renton Transit Center (S1 Line).
4. October 2025: The Board authorized a partnership with WSDOT to design and build the new Tukwila International Blvd station, creating a direct connection to the Link 1 Line.

Work under these contracts is expected to accelerate in early 2026. Additional contracts for operations (MV Transportation, Inc.) and construction for the Seattle/Shoreline portion of the S3 Line (Pivetta Brothers Construction) are under Board consideration.

Project Timeline Summary

The Stride BRT program has now entered its primary construction phase. The S1 and S3 lines are projected to open for service in 2028, with the S2 line following in 2029. This phased implementation will progressively integrate a new mode of sustainable, high-capacity transit into the Central Puget Sound region.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on Sound Transit’s Stride bus rapid transit (BRT) project addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing on the development of sustainable, efficient, and collaborative public transportation infrastructure. The primary SDGs connected to the article are:

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The core of the article is about building new, resilient, and sustainable transportation infrastructure.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The project aims to create a safe, accessible, and sustainable transport system for urban and regional communities.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: The introduction of battery-electric buses directly contributes to climate change mitigation efforts.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article heavily emphasizes the collaborative efforts between various public entities to achieve the project’s goals.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the information provided, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

• Target 9.1: “Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.”
  
  Explanation: The article describes the development of the Stride BRT network as a “new regional service connecting communities north, east, and south of Lake Washington.” The project involves building new bus lanes, 25 stations, and a Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility, which are all forms of quality, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure designed to improve regional connectivity and mobility.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Target 11.2: “By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport…”
  
  Explanation: The Stride project is a direct effort to expand public transport. The article states it will “transform your options for getting around the region” and offer “faster travel times for transit riders compared to current bus routes.” It also mentions creating “pathways for easy walk/roll/bike access” and supporting a “new pedestrian and bicycle path,” which enhances accessibility to the transport system for all.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• Target 13.2: “Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.”
  
  Explanation: The project integrates climate action into regional transportation planning by introducing a cleaner fleet. The article explicitly mentions that the new maintenance facility will service the “new Stride fleet, including the charging mechanisms for our double-decker and articulated battery-electric buses.” This shift away from fossil fuels is a key strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Target 17.17: “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.”
  
  Explanation: The article highlights that “building the Stride network is all about partnerships.” It details the collaboration between Sound Transit, Washington’s Department of Transportation (WSDOT), and various cities like Bothell, Kirkland, and Shoreline. The text mentions that “Sound Transit is distributing funds to WSDOT to build several portions of the Stride system,” which is a clear example of an effective public-public partnership to deliver complex infrastructure projects.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article contains several explicit and implicit indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

Indicators for SDG 9 and SDG 11

• Kilometers of new transit routes: The article mentions “approximately 48 miles of service,” which is a direct measure of the scale of the new infrastructure (Target 9.1).
• Number of new transit stations: The project includes “25 stations,” indicating the expansion of access points to the public transport network (Target 11.2).
• Proportion of population with convenient access to public transport: While not a direct percentage, the creation of new pedestrian and bicycle paths (“easy walk/roll/bike access”) to connect to stations is an implied indicator of improving access to the transit system (Target 11.2).
• Travel time savings: The article states that “Stride will offer faster travel times for transit riders,” which is a key performance indicator for the efficiency and reliability of the new infrastructure (Target 9.1).

Indicators for SDG 13

• Number of zero-emission vehicles in the public fleet: The mention of “double-decker and articulated battery-electric buses” implies that the number of electric buses in the fleet is a key indicator of progress in adopting cleaner technology and reducing emissions (Target 13.2).

Indicators for SDG 17

• Number of multi-stakeholder partnerships: The article names several partners, including WSDOT and the cities of Bothell, Kirkland, and Shoreline. The number and effectiveness of these formal partnerships serve as an indicator (Target 17.17).
• Value of financial resources mobilized for sustainable development: The article mentions that “Sound Transit is distributing funds to WSDOT” and the Board has approved multiple “construction contracts,” which are financial indicators of the partnership’s commitment and progress (Target 17.17).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: soundtransit.org