Sound Transit is disappointed by threats from the City of Mercer Island to pursue litigation rather than agree to plans that enable transit riders to move easily and safely between future light rail service and buses.
At issue in the planning for safe and efficient bus transfers at 77th Avenue Southeast is the necessity of allowing buses to pick up and drop off riders on both the north and south sides of North Mercer Way. Space is also needed to allow the bus layovers that will enable operators to be ready and waiting to serve riders with on-schedule departures. The city opposes the above-pictured configuration despite the fact it meets the city’s objective of avoiding bus circulation in the town center.
A recent letter sent by Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff outlines the agency’s position. Following an agreement between Sound Transit and the City in 2017, the current impasse follows more than two years of collaborative work, with the City, Sound Transit and King County Metro working together.
The 2017 agreement with the City clearly outlined requirements for King County Metro Transit’s concurrence with the bus transfer configuration. The City’s claims that the plan violates the agreement are unfounded.
Sound Transit hopes the City will rethink its opposition to the plan that has resulted from this collaboration, which will provide seamless connection experiences for transit riders, including pedestrians as well as cyclists. Key elements of the plan include:
- A roundabout at 77th Avenue Southeast and North Mercer Way, and curb space to better integrate bus and light rail service.
- Creating convenient access to Mercer Island Town Center by improving the new station plaza and lighted, landscaped pathway along 80th Avenue Southeast.
- Widening the I-90 trail, and adding new crosswalks.
- Installing more bus shelters and bike lockers.
- Tree replacement and landscaping north of the roundabout.
Sound Transit is making steady progress toward opening East Link on time in 2023, with 10 new stations between Seattle, Mercer Island, Bellevue and Redmond. Our expanding regional transit network will enable residents throughout the Eastside and the region, including Mercer Island, to travel more quickly and reliably between their homes, jobs and leisure destinations.
Absent a change from the City’s preparation for litigation, it is unfortunate that taking a safe an appropriate path to delivering these major benefits will entail unnecessary legal costs for Mercer Island residents and regional taxpayers.
For more information, check out frequently asked questions about the project.