Amid handwringing over the latest depressingly awful economic forecasts, officials jockeying to keep West Seattle (2032) and Ballard (2039) light rail expansions on schedule

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell is advocating for the prioritization of light rail expansions to West Seattle and Ballard, as Sound Transit grapples with a 25% increase in project costs, potentially jeopardizing the "Sound Transit 3" package. Harrell, a member of the Sound Transit board, highlights the necessity for streamlined permitting processes to ensure timely delivery of these vital transit projects. The West Seattle extension is expected to be completed by 2032, while the Ballard extension aims for a 2039 opening, with projections estimating 200,000 daily boardings. Current light rail ridership stands at 3. 4 million monthly, averaging 103,000 daily.

A Seattle City Council committee is crafting legislation to secure additional funding and resources to expedite the program's permit review. Harrell's remarks underscore the importance of fulfilling commitments made to voters who supported these expansions. With costs ballooning, Sound Transit anticipates spending around $150 billion over the next two decades. The mayor's call for collaborative problem-solving aims to navigate the financial challenges and keep the transit projects on track.