The FTA's medium-high score advances Project Connect's rail line toward billions in federal funding and a 2027 groundbreaking.

As the system celebrates its fourth expansion in two years, it is also facing increasing scrutiny over service interruptions that can make it unreliable.

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The extension will bring Washington's largest transit network that much closer to connecting Seattle and Tacoma.

On the project justification front, Austin's inaugural light rail phase garnered a medium rating, with breakout ratings noting the FTA gave the project a "low" rating for its cost effectiveness, while issuing higher priority ratings for its congestion relief and economic development opportunities.

Sound Transit confirms light rail service across Lake Washington will begin before May 31, enhancing regional transportation options.

Sound Transit celebrated the opening of the 7.8-mile, three-station extension of its Link light rail Line 1 on Saturday, Dec. 6, marking the fifth addition to the Link system in three years. A ribbon-cutting at the new Federal Way Downtown station was followed by the beginning of service about 11 a.