For people whose daily trips fall within the light rail service area, or who live near connecting bus routes, the introduction of the new stations will be a transportation game changer. On that day, thousands of Seattleites living near the 1 Line (formerly known as the Central Link) will gain access to fast, frequent transit running all the way from Northgate to Angle Lake. Only weeks remain before Sound Transit’s Link light rail extension opens on October 2nd. The statement released alongside the poll by NPI acknowledges while voters appear to be “sold on light rail as a good investment, there is still the practical matter of delivering it to the neighborhoods that need it.” A major part of delivery will involve deciding how to finance new transit, an aspect of planning that is never easy. When asked if they would support or oppose a new transit funding measure to connect the rest of the City of Seattle with Link light rail, 76% of Seattle voters polled voiced support, with 48% expressing strong support. Pollees want more of Seattle connected to Link light rail Now NPI has released data from a second question included in the poll, and it shows similar high levels of support for a new transit funding measure. Fortunately, the Sound Transit board voted for a hybrid realignment plan that avoids the most substantial delays, keeping promises made to area residents largely intact. Their data showed 71% of polled Seattle voters expressed support for a new transit funding measure to avoid ST3 delays. This summer in the lead up to decision-making on whether or not to delay projects promised in the Sound Transit 3 measure, the Northwest Progressive Institute (NPI) released results from a poll conducted by Change Research Institute. The Sound Transit expansion is bringing light rail to Northgate in early October 2021.

Seattle light rail route