2004 Accomplishments

Sounder Commuter Rail Service

• The initial stage Seattle-to-Tacoma track and signal improvements are completed.
• Special services to selected Mariner and Seahawk weekend games are provided.
• The acquisition of the Lakewood corridor right-of-way is completed.
• The RailPlus program starts, allowing monthly passes to be accepted on Amtrak trains running between Seattle and Everett.
• Installation begins on the passenger information/security system.

ST Express Regional Bus Service

• Braille bus bay markers are installed across the system.
• The groundbreaking ceremony for the Federal Way HOV Access Ramp and the Federal Way Transit Center is held.
• The Bellevue Direct Access project is completed a year ahead of schedule and $25 million under budget.
• The agency accepts initial delivery of hybrid buses.
• The final decision is reached on the I-90 Two-way HOV project.
• The Lynnwood HOV Access ramps open for service.

Link Light Rail Service

• The Martin Luther King Jr. Way construction contract is awarded and construction begins in the Rainier Valley.
• The Sound Transit Board identifies North Link preliminary preferred alternative.
• Central Link construction begins on MLK Way.
• The Beacon Hill Tunnel construction contract is awarded and construction begins.
• The Downtown Transit Tunnel retrofit and Pine Street Tunnel contracts are awarded.
• The North Link Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement is published.
• The first Central Link elevated beam is raised and put into place.
• Tacoma Link celebrates its first anniversary of service and carries just over one million passengers by the end 2004.
• All necessary Central Link real estate is acquired.
• Sound Transit, the Port of Seattle and the City of SeaTac announce an agreement to extend Central Link light rail directly to Sea-Tac International Airport by December, 2009.

Agency-wide

• The public art program completes the following projects: King Street Station Sounder platform; Edmonds Station Sounder platform (temporary location).
• The contract is awarded for planning the agency's system expansion.
• Sound Transit celebrates its fifth anniversary of service.
• 175 "Regional T's" are installed throughout the region.