New Plan Speeds Up Light Rail Expansion Project, Raises Cost

SEATTLE (AP) — The regional Puget Sound transit agency's new version of a plan to expand light rail and other transit expedites the construction of several lines, but increases the project's cost by $4 billion.

KOMO-TV reports the new plan released Thursday comes after Sound Transit held a public comment period in April. The agency says the biggest critique centered on the project's timeline.

The new plan addresses those issues by bringing light rail to Everett in 2036, five years faster than initially proposed. Redmond and Federal Way will see light rail four years sooner in 2024, while Tacoma and West Seattle will see it three years sooner in 2030.

The changes bring the project's estimated cost to $54 billion. Sound Transit says the extra $4 billion will be paid with bond money.