Public transit culture is growing fast. As public transit networks expand, riders are beginning to see how networks are about more than mobility. They sew together daily lives, neighborhoods and opportunities that bring cities to life. In Seattle, a rollercoaster of change is underway. The new 2 Line expansion, soon to connect the Eastside to Seattle, will transform the way we live, work, move and grow together. 

Seattle’s public transit network has long been the heartbeat of our city. Buses, railways and ferries connect 21% of urban commuters to their everyday destinations, rivaling 25% of those who drive alone, the 2024 Seattle Commute Survey Report reports. Since the pandemic, transit agencies around the nation have fought tooth and nail to recover pre-pandemic ridership rates. Fortunately for Washingtonians, between 2023 and 2024, each of the six transit agencies using ORCA fare cards (Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit and Sound Transit) saw an average 12% increase in ridership. As Seattle’s population continues to grow, so too does its desire for public transit.

Americans stereotype themselves as car-loving motorists, but recent shifts in behavior and policy might soon flip the script. Studies show transportation choices are primarily motivated by time, flexibility and cost. Around the country, booming metropolitan areas are realizing their streets might need a change: one that’s invested in reliable, frequent and accessible public transit. As Seattle’s network expands in reach and consistency, those needs are increasingly being met by buses and trains rather than single‑occupancy vehicles.

While public transit has historically served working-class people, recent studies show transit popularity increased among Seattleites earning above $75,000 annually. This marks a shift in transit culture. As the city welcomes increased ridership, it must proceed with caution that increased demand can deepen systemic inequalities if it prices out residents who have long relied on transit the most. The challenge for transit agencies is to ensure the benefits of transit projects and investments don’t bypass marginalized communities.  

Beginning March 28, cross-lake light rail tracks will connect Judkins Park and Mercer Island stations, allowing a smooth, transfer-free ride from downtown Redmond to downtown Lynwood. Eastside commuters headed to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and other downtown Seattle stops transfer at the International District/Chinatown Station. After decades in the making, this connection will make our light rail the first in the world to operate along a floating bridge. 

Additionally, Sound Transit will expand 2 Line service hours to 9:30 p.m. and increase train frequency to every four minutes. These expansions bring major benefits: more walkable neighborhoods, better job access, cleaner air and stronger local economies—just in time for the FIFA Men’s World Cup this summer.

Zoned Out takes a look at local news, policies and politics that shape our daily lives. This column explores how Seattle addresses its biggest challenges around affordability, housing and homelessness, transportation and community development. Jo Moreau is a fourth-year public affairs major.