Evaluating station access options
The team assessed access limitations and transit improvements so first-mile barriers could be eliminated.
Markets
Priorities
Sound Transit advances access solutions for growing commuter demand
As ridership surged on Sound Transit’s Sounder commuter rail, station challenges made it difficult for new riders to reach transit. To address these barriers, Sound Transit engaged CDM Smith to evaluate alternatives for parking, pedestrian, bicycle, and transit improvements and advance the preferred concepts toward implementation.
Screening sites for key constraints
Potential parking garage sites were screened for any environmental sensitivities or historical significance.
Front-loading actionable insights
Teams highlighted design risks early to help fast-track decision making and avoid issues seen in earlier studies.
Engaging stakeholders and riders
Regular coordination with cities, transit agencies, and community groups ensured alternatives were informed by regional input.
Through workshops, public outreach, and coordination across agencies, the project shaped a preferred package of improvements that supports transit growth in the area. CDM Smith’s planning and early risk screening positioned Sound Transit to advance environmental clearance and preliminary engineering. “We tried to front-load the planning process with as much actionable information as we could,” said Tim Sorenson, transit & urban mobility expert.