Proposed Sound Transit plan would spare Everett Link from delays
EVERETT — A proposed plan to help close a $34.5 billion shortfall in Sound Transit’s expansion budget would spare the Everett Link Extension from delays or reductions in scope, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers announced at a Sound Transit committee meeting Thursday.
As part of the updated Sound Transit 3 system plan, which seeks to close that funding gap, the Sounder N line, a commuter rail line running from Everett to Seattle, would cease to operate by 2033. Parking projects planned along the Everett Link Extension would also be deferred.
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Sounder commuter rail has been operating the N line — which connects Everett, Mukilteo and Edmonds to downtown Seattle — since 2003. But after the COVID-19 pandemic, ridership on the commuter rail line languished and has never really recovered, Sound Transit data shows. Only four trains per weekday run in each direction, and its fares are more expensive than using buses to connect to light rail. In April, the rail service only provided around 565 rides per day.
“The Board can revisit this decision if ridership meaningfully improves in the years ahead or should new funding or cost efficiencies emerge,” Bray added.
https://www.heraldnet.com/2026/05/08/proposed-sound-transit-plan-would-spare-everett-link-from-delays/