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Sound TransitDraft 2022 Service Plan

 

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Background

 Annual Service Plan

 At Sound Transit, we evaluate service annually and propose changes to improve performance, respond to ridership trends, and use taxpayer resources efficient. We forecast many of these proposed changes through our annual planning process. Our most recent service plans have focused on responding to the operational and budgetary constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as adjusting ST Express routes to complement and connect to new Link light rail expansions. While in 2021, there have been service frequency increases, specifically on routes serving NorthKing and Snohomish Counties in conjunction with the Northgate Link extension, total service hours provided across all modes continue to be lower than pre-pandemic.The 2022 Service Plan outlines the vision of how Sound Transit will provide service as the region emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to new travel patterns, we’re refocusing the nature of the ST Express bus network to increase frequency all day, every day, serving a larger variety of trip purposes.The plan focuses on equity by proposing service increases where people need it most, specifically in South King and Pierce counties, where ridership remained more resilientthroughout the pandemic compared to other parts of the region. The plan sets the goal of bringing the same all-day frequent service to several South Puget Sound ST Express bus routes, matching the service levels provided on other frequent routes that operate north and east of Seattle. Our regional system will also continue expanding in 2022 with the Hilltop Link Extension opening. This extension will more than double the length of the T Line and add six new stations, providing new local connections from Tacoma Dome Station to the Stadium District and Hilltop neighborhood.There remains a significant number of challenges and constraints for fulfilling thvision outlined in the 2022 Service Plan. Recent operator shortages, which are impacting transit agencies within our region and across the country, have required emergency reduction of ST Express bus services including on routes that have proposed service improvements. The uncertainty on the duration of the staffinshortages may require that the proposals – which have strong public support – be partially implemented or deferred to another year.