Washington State: Sound Transit to launch Renton Transit Center for double-decker electric buses
Sound Transit announced in early February it has broken ground on the new Renton Transit Center, a project that will support the launch of the Stride S1 line operated with double-decker battery-electric buses. The February 4, 2026 groundbreaking marks the start of construction of a relocated and rebuilt Renton Transit Center designed to serve Sound […]
Sound Transit announced in early February it has broken ground on the new Renton Transit Center, a project that will support the launch of the Stride S1 line operated with double-decker battery-electric buses.
The February 4, 2026 groundbreaking marks the start of construction of a relocated and rebuilt Renton Transit Center designed to serve Sound Transit’s Stride S1 Bellevue–Burien line, local King County Metro services and the future RapidRide I Line, according to a press release issued by Sound Transit.
This new Bus Rapid Transit ‘Stride’ line will truly knit our region together, bringing Renton the fast, reliable, and green transit service it has long deserved. Stride’s battery‑electric double‑deckers, frequent service, and upgraded stations will deliver a quiet, comfortable, convenient experience for riders. Today’s groundbreaking is a major step toward a fully-integrated transit network and I’m excited to celebrate the ribbon cutting in 2028.
Claudia Balducci, King County Councilmember and Sound Transit Board Member
Sound Transit and the Stride BRT program
Sound Transit is the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority, the public agency responsible for planning, building and operating regional high-capacity transit services across King, Pierce and Snohomish counties in Washington State. Its portfolio includes Link light rail, Sounder commuter rail and ST Express bus services.
The Stride bus rapid transit network forms part of Sound Transit’s regional transit expansion plan. The S1 line will connect Bellevue and Burien via Renton and Tukwila, operating primarily in high-occupancy vehicle lanes and dedicated transit infrastructure along the I-405 and SR 167 corridors. According to the Sound Transit press release, service is scheduled to begin in 2028.
The Renton Transit Center is a core infrastructure component of this corridor. The facility will integrate Stride S1 operations with existing bus services and future network upgrades, providing direct connections to Link light rail’s 1 and 2 Lines in Bellevue and Tukwila, including transfers at Tukwila International Boulevard Station.
Double-decker battery-electric fleet deployment
Stride S1 will operate with double-decker battery-electric buses running every 10–15 minutes for more than 17 hours per day. Sound Transit states that the Stride fleet will be the agency’s first battery-electric fleet and the first in the United States to deploy this technology on double-decker buses.
Electric bus operations on S1 are structured around high-frequency, all-day service. The double-decker configuration is intended to provide additional passenger capacity within the existing roadway envelope of regional freeway infrastructure.
According to Sound Transit, the new Renton Transit Center will include eight bus bays, covered passenger waiting areas and a new four-way signalized intersection designed to facilitate bus movements. A bus-only lane will be added to the northbound shoulder of State Route 167 to support service operations. The project also includes new sidewalks, lighting, multi-use paths, an expansion of the existing two-way bike lane along Shattuck Avenue, and stormwater bioswales with additional vegetation and plantings.
“This groundbreaking is an essential investment in Renton’s present and future as a regional hub at the crossroads between the Eastside and South King County. In 2028 riders will be able to enjoy direct, frequent, all day Stride Bus rapid transit to Burien, Tukwila, Renton and Bellevue, including direct connections to light rail stations at Tukwila International Blvd Station and Bellevue Downtown Renton.” said Renton City Councilmember and Sound Transit Board Member Ed Prince. “This Stride station will center Renton as a hub for regional connectivity.”
“This new Bus Rapid Transit ‘Stride’ line will truly knit our region together, bringing Renton the fast, reliable, and green transit service it has long deserved,” said King County Councilmember and Sound Transit Board Member Claudia Balducci. “Stride’s battery‑electric double‑deckers, frequent service, and upgraded stations will deliver a quiet, comfortable, convenient experience for riders. Today’s groundbreaking is a major step toward a fully-integrated transit network and I’m excited to celebrate the ribbon cutting in 2028.”
“Stride S1 will transform travel between Burien, Renton, and Bellevue, allowing passengers to speed by traffic on 405 and seamlessly connect to local bus routes, Link light rail and the future RapidRide I and Stride S2 lines,” said Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine, “The new Renton Transit Center will not only be a hub for Stride but an asset for Renton and the entire Central Puget Sound.”
The new Renton Transit Center will include eight bus bays, covered passenger waiting areas and a new four-way signalized intersection designed to facilitate bus movements. A bus-only lane will be added to the northbound shoulder of State Route 167 to support service operations. The project also includes new sidewalks, lighting, multi-use paths, an expansion of the existing two-way bike lane along Shattuck Avenue, and stormwater bioswales with additional vegetation and plantings
“Renton is a key destination within the Puget Sound, offering connections to the eastside, Seattle, and the South Sound,” said Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone. “The STRIDE BRT project is the primary transportation opportunity for our residents and businesses, and a crucial way to ensure we have the capacity to support the 10-12,000 new jobs projects like the new Seattle Children’s Hospital campus and new Alaska Airlines training facility are bringing to Renton. The relocation of the transit center gives us an incredible opportunity to invite redevelopment of this area into a transit-oriented, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood here in the Rainier/Grady corridor.”
“The Renton Transit Center and Stride S1 represent an investment in access, opportunity, and regional equity — strengthening connections between South King County, the Eastside, and the broader region,” said King County Councilmember and Sound Transit Board Member Steffanie Fain. “Our riders count on these connections to reach work, school, and family, and this project reflects a shared commitment — across Sound Transit, local leaders, and labor partners — to deliver fast, reliable, and well-connected service where it matters most.”
“The Seattle-King County Building Trades are honored to partner with Sound Transit, the City of Renton and regional leaders and staff as we create economic opportunity for generations of working people and better connect communities. The Stride Renton Transit Center will create hundreds of family-wage jobs for skilled craftspeople and pathways out of poverty for women, people of color, veterans and others who are disadvantaged into construction careers,” said Monty Anderson, Executive Secretary of the Seattle Building & Construction Trades Council. “Through apprenticeships and strong training programs, we are working as a region to help build the next generation of construction workers, many from local communities here in Renton and South King County. Getting to this significant step on this important element of our regional transit system took vision and persistence – and it will build better lives. Let’s keep building!”
