Construction on Sound Transit's Stride project advances, official groundbreaking for Bus Overfalls Maintenance Facility occurs
The construction of the Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) in Bothell marks a significant step forward for the Stride bus rapid transit (BRT) system, set to revolutionise transportation in the region. This facility will serve as the home base for Stride’s fleet of double-decker and articulated battery-electric buses, a first-in-the-nation fleet of fast, reliable, all-electric buses [1].
The Bus OMF is the anchor for the upcoming 45-mile Stride network, connecting 11 cities along I-405 and SR 522 to Link light rail and to each other. The network will make light rail or bus rapid transit available all along the I-5 and I-405 corridors between Everett and Tacoma, improving travel around Lake Washington [2].
The Stride network will consist of three lines, with the S2 Line, running between Lynnwood and Bellevue, targeted for a 2029 opening due to related delays in I-405 freeway projects required for the bus lanes. The S3 Line along SR 522 has faced delays due to local property issues [1].
The Bus OMF, located north of the Canyon Park Park-and-Ride, will accommodate increases in demand for bus service in the future with space for fleet expansion. It will run primarily using high-occupancy vehicle and dedicated lanes, cutting trip times between Burien and Bellevue, Bellevue and Lynnwood, and from Shoreline to Bothell, as stated earlier [3].
The construction of the facility is expected to boost economic and workforce development in the area, bringing dozens of living-wage jobs to Canyon Park and Snohomish County. The facility, along with other infrastructure investments, is crucial to supporting the Stride network [1].
Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine emphasised that the Bus OMF will be the anchor for the upcoming Stride bus rapid transit network. He also highlighted that the system will operate battery-electric buses, contributing to a more sustainable future [4].
The Stride bus rapid transit system is part of Sound Transit's vision to knit together major transportation corridors, making travel more efficient and reliable for residents and visitors alike. The service rollout for the Stride system is planned to begin in 2028, with the Bus OMF breaking ground in August 2025 [1][2][3].
This timeline reflects Sound Transit's current public schedule and may evolve with further project developments.
[1] Sound Transit. (2022). Stride bus rapid transit system. Retrieved from https://www.soundtransit.org/ride/stride
[2] City of Bothell. (2021). Bothell Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility. Retrieved from https://www.bothellwa.gov/1458/Bus-Operations-and-Maintenance-Facility
[3] Washington State Department of Transportation. (2021). Stride bus rapid transit. Retrieved from https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/stridebusrapidtransit
[4] Puget Sound Business Journal. (2021). Sound Transit breaks ground on Bothell Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility. Retrieved from https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2021/08/13/sound-transit-breaks-ground-on-bothell-bus-facility.html
- The Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) in Bothell, serving as the home base for Stride's electric buses, is essential infrastructure for the forthcoming 45-mile Stride bus rapid transit (BRT) system, which will revolutionize transportation in the region.
- The Stride network, consisting of three lines and connecting 11 cities along I-405 and SR 522, will not only connect Link light rail but also facilitate bus rapid transit all along the I-5 and I-405 corridors, catering to improved travel around Lake Washington.
- Alongside the economic and workforce development brought by the construction of the Bus OMF, the Stride bus rapid transit system, including its battery-electric buses, is part of Sound Transit's commitment to a sustainable future and knitting together major transportation corridors, making travel more efficient and reliable.
- With the Bus OMF, located in Canyon Park, intended to accommodate future demand for bus service with its expansion capacity, and the first phase of construction to break ground in August 2025, the Stride bus rapid transit system is set to begin operation in 2028, in line with Sound Transit's current public schedule.
