SDOT strives to make walking, biking, and riding transit go-to travel choices in Seattle. Good public transit ties our neighborhoods together, alleviates congestion, reduces pollution and improves community health. Transit improvements are one of the best, most cost-effective investments to improve Seattle’s streets. 

Here you can learn about current construction projects and planning efforts, tools for transit riders, or brush up on the history of transit in Seattle.

What is the City’s role in transit service and delivery?

While the City doesn’t run the buses or light rail trains, we do work closely with King County Metro, Sound Transit, and other transit providers on major service and infrastructure changes within the city limits. We enhance transit service through:

Funding. We regularly pursue federal, state, and other grants and partnerships for capital projects. Bridging the Gap (a voter-approved levy) provides funding for transit corridor improvements. The City also subsidizes transit service on the Seattle Streetcar and a number of Metro routes.

Planning and Policy. We developed the Transit Master Plan in 2012 and regularly coordinate with Metro, Sound Transit, and other City departments on bus corridor improvement projects and station area planning.

Seattle Streetcar. The City owns the South Lake Union streetcar and contracts with Metro for operations. The First Hill streetcar will be up and running in 2014.

Corridor Improvements. Through Bridging the Gap and a vehicle license fee, we plan and build street, signal, bus stop facility, and technology improvements that increase bus speeds and enhance passenger comfort along key corridors.