Sound Transit Unveils Electric Double-Deck Bus Plans, Breaks Ground on Transit Center
RENTON, Wash. — Sound Transit, the City of Renton, and partners marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of the new Renton Transit Center on Wednesday. This project aims to enhance public transportation by relocating and upgrading the transit center to accommodate existing and future routes, with an anticipated completion date of 2028.
The Stride S1 line, a key component of this expansion, will connect communities between Burien and Bellevue, offering seamless connections to the Tukwila International Blvd Station and Bellevue Transit Center, including Link light rail access. This initiative received voter approval in 2016, with planning commencing in 2018 and the design phase spanning from 2021 to 2024.
The Stride S1 line introduces Sound Transit's first battery-electric double-decker buses, designed to operate every 10–15 minutes for over 17 hours daily. This innovative bus rapid transit system, similar to the Light and Sounder commuter rails, will feature off-board fare payment and multiple-door boarding, ensuring quick and convenient travel for commuters.
The new Renton Transit Center, situated on the corner of South Grady Way and Rainier Avenue South, will serve as a crucial hub for the Stride S1 Bellevue-to-Burien route. The facility will include eight bus bays, covered waiting areas, and a new four-way signalized intersection to optimize bus flow.
Construction activities will commence with underground work in 2026, focusing on utility systems such as sewers, water, stormwater management, electrical, and irrigation. The majority of construction is scheduled for summer 2027, with final landscaping and paving on Lake Avenue South continuing through early 2028. Sound Transit emphasizes that the timeline is tentative and may be adjusted based on unforeseen circumstances and weather conditions.
This project represents a significant step forward in enhancing public transportation in the region, offering a more sustainable and efficient travel experience for residents and commuters.
