1993-1995: Regional Transit Authority is formed and 1995 Plan adopted
In 1993, the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (RTA) was created. The RTA Board considered the JRPC's System Plan too large, so it focused on reducing its scope while trying to retain most of its benefits. The RTA Board conducted extensive outreach to assist it in developing a plan to put before the voters.
The RTA proposed to implement the first phase of a new regional rail and express bus network over 16 years, with an estimated cost of $6.7 billion (1995$). The proposal included:
- All-day commuter rail between Lakewood-Tacoma-Seattle-Everett (and intermediate stops).
- A rail system stretching south from Lynnwood to Tacoma via Northgate, the University District, downtown Seattle, Rainier Valley, SeaTac - plus an east-west line across I-90 to Mercer Island, Bellevue and Redmond/-Overlake.
- Following additional study, some form of HCT service would be implemented between Tukwila, Renton, Bellevue, and Kirkland.
- Major investments in all-day, frequent ST Express Bus service linking employment centers along with supporting capital facilities.
- The plan was placed on the ballot for voter approval in March 1995 and was defeated.
Chronology
Jul 1993 Three county councils vote to create RTA
Snohomish, Pierce, and King county councils vote to participate in the Regional Transit Plan and create the Regional Transit Authority to move it forward.
Sep 1993 RTA Board is formed, holds its first meeting
The Regional Transit Authority holds its first meeting and begins work toward developing a regional transit system and financing plan to submit to voters based on JRPC recommendations.
Oct 28, '94 RTA adopts Regional Transit Master Plan and Phase I ballot proposal
Based on the JRPC recommended system plan, the RTA adopts a transit master plan for the region, and a $6.7 billion Phase I rail and bus transit proposal to forward to the ballot.
Dec 1994 County councils vote to send RTA Phase I to the ballot
Following a mandatory 45-day review period, the Pierce, King and Snohomish county councils vote to
continue RTA participation and submit Phase I proposal to voters.
Mar 1995 Voters reject Phase One transit proposal
Regional voters turn down the Phase I proposal (46.5 % yes; 53.5% no)
Oct 1995 RTA forms advisory panel, targets second ballot for fall '96
RTA Board establishes a regional advisory panel of civic leaders to help craft a new proposal, and sets a timetable to bring it before the region's voters in fall, '96.
Nov 1995 RTA adopts guiding principles for new proposal
Guiding principles are adopted by the RTA Board to clearly define parameters for developing a new Phase I ballot proposal.
Key documents
1995 Proposal Documents
These documents are in .pdf format and require the free Adobe Reader to view
Regional Transit System Proposal (1995) - details by subarea
Regional Transity System Proposal (1995) - Front - plan summary in brochure format
Regional Transity System Proposal (1995) - Back - plan summary in brochure format
