“Both Congress and the state of Washington have made substantial investments in our roads and highways, through Referendum 49 and a $218 billion transportation bill,” Smith explained. “I believe transit systems are most in need of funding.”

However, the chairs of the relevant House and Senate committees support directing only 20 percent of the $1.5 billion to transit systems. The Clinton administration has asked them to re-examine their position and consider directing $1 billion to transit, safety, rail and environmental programs.

Smith says more transit revenues should translate into additional funds for the Sound Transit system.

“We are at a critical juncture in the Sound Transit process,” said Smith. “The system will be good, but if we can receive a bit of additional federal funding, the system can be excellent.”

One improvement that would strengthen the Sound Transit plan is service to South Center and Longacres. “Growing urban villages and connecting them with efficient transportation is central to the state’s growth management philosophy,” Smith said. “Servicing high ridership communities that are planning to accommodate grow, like the Southcenter Mall area, makes sense.” 

Additional funds could also improve existing transit infrastructure, a critical need according to Smith. “Due to limited funding for transit programs, funding for buses and Park and Rides has almost disappeared,” Smith explained. “Buses and Park and Rides are the backbone of our transit system, and Sound Transit won’t work without a comprehensive bus and Park and Ride network.”