How we got here | Sound Transit - Stride Bus Rapid Transit

How did we reach Stride’s final design?

Sound Transit has come a long way since the planning phase started in 2018. You may have seen project updates at various milestones during the design phase—10%, 30%, 60%, and now 100% design—that are associated with a general level of design “completeness.” We worked with the public to collect feedback and address concerns at the project milestones.

Partnering with WSDOT

Sound Transit has partnered with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) on Stride to add infrastructure to improve the commute along I-405. Sound Transit is distributing funds to WSDOT to build portions of the Stride system in conjunction with their own I-405 improvement projects. In this partnership, WSDOT brings expertise in roadway design and construction management in the complex freeway environment and Sound Transit understands transit and how people use it. Learn more about the Sound Transit-WSDOT partnership.

People standing next to tables and looking down at maps. — Community members looking at Lake Forest Park 60% design plans at drop-in session.

Engagement by the numbers

Between July 2017 and December 2024, we’ve engaged the community by: Hosting 43 open houses/public meetings, Publishing 10 online open houses, Presenting at or participating in 196 community briefings and meetings, Sending out 65 email updates and 37 mailings, Staffing 44 fairs, festivals, and tabling events, Coordinating regularly with project partners via three stakeholder groups: 10 with elected leaders, 54 with interagency staff, and 42 with city managers, Holding 141 meetings with property owners, Receiving 4,500+ comments and questions from members of the public.

The Stride bus rapid transit (BRT) system is fully designed and approaching construction. WSDOT is leading the delivery of portions of the Stride system in conjunction with I-405 improvement projects. Stride projects led by WSDOT started construction in 2022. Stride projects led by Sound Transit are planned to begin construction in 2025.

2023 survey summary

During our last online open house in February 2023 and drop-in sessions in March 2023, we heard concerns from the community about pedestrian safety, access to neighborhoods and businesses during construction, and environmental effects. To learn more about what people in each city had to say, you can explore the engagement summary.

Stride through your city

We’ve completed the final design for Stride. You can now explore the designs and upcoming construction in your area.

Trees and grass surround Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility two-story building, which is connected to a parking structure. — Rendering of Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility administration building.

Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility design

The Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility in the Canyon Park area of Bothell will support the operations of the Stride system and provide a location to store, clean, maintain, and repair buses.

A new bus maintenance facility coming soon

S1 Line design

The Stride S1 Line will connect communities along I-405 and SR 518 from Bellevue to Burien. Design updates include Bellevue, Renton, Tukwila, and Burien.

Next stop: Stride S1

People standing and sitting at a covered bus shelter on a raised platform. — Rendering of a Stride’s station at the Burien Transit Center.

Rendering of the new three-tier I-405 and NE 85th St interchange.

S2 Line design

The Stride S2 Line will connect communities along I-405 and I-5 from Bellevue to Lynnwood. Design updates include Bellevue, Kirkland, Bothell, and Lynnwood.

Next stop: Stride S2

S3 Line design

The Stride S3 Line will serve growing north Lake Washington communities from Shoreline and Seattle to Bothell. Design updates include Shoreline and Seattle, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, and Bothell.

Next stop: Stride S3

A Stride bus drives away from a covered bus stop as people walk away from the bus stop. — Rendering of Stride’s 15th Ave NE Station along NE 145th in Shoreline/Seattle.