Sound Transit updates Bothell council on Stride bus rapid transit program progress

The Bothell City Council convened on May 13, 2025, to discuss significant updates from Sound Transit and city staff regarding the ongoing Stride Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) program. The meeting commenced with a warm welcome to representatives from Sound Transit, including Bridal Taylor and Rick Kapka, who provided insights into the developments and future plans for transit in Bothell.

Taylor began by emphasizing the importance of Sound Transit’s partnership with the city, highlighting the recent opening of two new stations in Redmond, which marked a successful expansion of the transit network. He noted that the Stride program is a fully voter-approved initiative aimed at enhancing public transportation across East King County, including Bothell.

The presentation outlined the Stride BRT system, which will feature dedicated bus lanes, transit signal priority, and improved pedestrian infrastructure. The program aims to connect various light rail stations and will introduce a fleet of fully electric buses, enhancing the region's sustainability efforts. A total of 25 new stations are planned, with construction expected to begin soon.

Kapka provided further details on the Bus Base North facility, which will serve as the operations and maintenance hub for the Stride fleet. Located in Canyon Park, this facility will accommodate up to 120 buses and is set to break ground in the summer of 2025. The council was informed that the design phase has been completed, and the project is on track for timely execution.

During the discussion, council members expressed their enthusiasm for the project while also requesting timely notifications for groundbreaking events to ensure council representation. Questions were raised regarding the collaboration with local utilities for charging infrastructure and the potential impacts of federal funding uncertainties on the project timeline.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to improving public transit through the Stride BRT program, with significant developments anticipated in the coming years. The council looks forward to ongoing updates and community engagement as the project progresses.