Every time you step onto a bus or a train, you’re making a green choice.
Public transportation is one of the most effective ways to reduce your environmental impact and support a more sustainable future. This April, try swapping a car commute for a train trip, a bus voyage or a bike ride.
With Link light rail extensions opening soon in Downtown Redmond (on May 10!), across Lake Washington and in Federal Way, it’s about to be easier than ever.
Transit is sustainable
Sound Transit’s regional system expansion is essential to the Central Puget Sound region’s sustainable future.
Expanding transit services benefits everyone by offering affordable, accessible travel options that also decrease air and water pollution.
We’re taking a major step forward with the introduction of battery-electric buses for our Stride bus rapid transit (BRT) service. Stride will provide fast, reliable, and pollution-free travel between key destinations like Burien and Bothell, offering a cleaner alternative to driving.
And let’s not forget Link light rail—our 1 Line trains are already powered by electricity! As we expand the system, we’re continuing to ensure that our growth is sustainable for generations to come.
Every ORCA tap helps keep our air cleaner and our communities healthier.
Building green from the ground up
Expanding transit infrastructure has an environmental impact, but we’re committed to keeping that impact as small as possible.
That’s why all new Sound Transit stations and facilities are built to meet LEED Gold certification standards, ensuring they are energy-efficient, water-conscious, and environmentally responsible throughout their lifespan.
Recently, the Downtown Redmond Link Extension was recognized for its sustainability efforts, earning an Envision Platinum Award.
One standout environmental achievement is the Bear Creek restoration work, where Sound Transit implemented extensive habitat improvements. Salmon have been tracked successfully traveling through the restored area, marking a significant milestone in ecological conservation.
The Federal Way Link Extension also earned an Envision Platinum Award for sustainable infrastructure, recognizing its commitment to environmental stewardship, resilience, and community benefits.
Fostering transit-oriented communities
Sound Transit's role in supporting regional growth goes beyond delivering a great ride.
Our transit-oriented development (TOD) program fosters vibrant, livable communities around transit by creating opportunities for development and affordable housing near our stations.
To achieve these outcomes, the agency offers surplus property — land that was needed to build the transit system but is no longer required during operation — to partners to create TOD that prioritizes affordable housing.
Sound Transit and our partner services provide tangible environmental benefits for the region’s growing communities.
When riders choose transit instead of driving alone, they reduce air and water pollution.
Every day is Earth Day
Thank you for making a difference every time you tap your ORCA card.
In 2023, Sound Transit was able to make the following progress.
- 70% of waste diverted in agency office buildings.
- Riders taking transit saved the natural resources equal to taking 38,000 homes off the grid for a year or preventing the burning of nearly 22 million gallons of gasoline.
- $1 million saved annually from 56 ongoing resource efficiency projects.
Keep riding, keep sharing your journey, and keep helping our region stay sustainable. Follow us @SoundTransit to stay connected!
Want to learn more about sustainability at Sound Transit? Find more information and an interactive map on our website.