The Sound Transit Board of Directors has approved a construction contract with PCL Construction Services, Inc. to build Bus Base North, a new operations and maintenance facility in Bothell, Washington state.
The facility is intended to support the region’s upcoming Stride Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network and represents Sound Transit’s first agency-owned bus base.
Located in the Canyon Park area near SR 527 and Interstate 405, Bus Base North will be used to operate and maintain a fleet of battery-electric buses planned for the Stride BRT programme.
The 365,125 square foot facility will provide parking, maintenance, storage and administrative functions for up to 120 articulated and double-decker buses used in both Stride and ST Express services.
Snohomish County Executive and Sound Transit Board Chair Dave Somers said:Today’s Board action will move us one step closer to fast and frequent transit for riders on heavily congested corridors as we continue to expand multiple transit options across the Central Puget Sound. Board members and the residents that they represent understand that advancing construction on Bus Base North is a key milestone for Stride and ST3.
Construction of the new facility will be carried out under a fixed-price contract valued at 228.3 million USD, with an additional 20 percent contingency of approximately 45.7 million USD. This brings the total authorised contract value to just over 274 million USD.
The planned site will include three main buildings:
- A two-storey operations and administration centre
- A two-storey parking and service structure, which will house buses on the lower deck and provide parking for employees, visitors, and service vehicles on the upper deck
- A two-storey maintenance facility, including space for parts storage
Additional infrastructure will include a vehicle ramp and bridge connecting to parking areas, as well as stormwater facilities, fencing, lighting, landscaping, and a guardhouse.
Stride BRT will operate on key corridors and connect with Link light rail services. It will include three lines: S1, S2, and S3, each using a different vehicle type suited to corridor demand. Services are expected to run over 17 hours a day throughout the week, with layover stations at route termini allowing battery recharging between trips.
Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine said:The approval of the Bus Base North contract is an important step forward for Stride. Bus Base North will be the heart of 45 miles of electric bus rapid transit that will provide a green alternative for riders and transform travel across the region.
Bus Base North is one of several investments Sound Transit is making to accommodate battery-electric buses and expand zero-emission transport options in the region.
