Sound Transit to add more parking at Edmonds Station as ridership on Sounder North climbs

Commuters will have an additional 53 parking spaces available Dec. 1 and 103 total spaces by May 1

The Sound Transit Board of Directors today approved a five-year lease agreement with Salish Crossing, LLC, to provide a 103-space parking lot next to the Edmonds Sounder Station. The new lot at 190 Sunset Avenue South will open May 1.

The agency is also finalizing a short term lease with Salish Crossing to provide 53 temporary parking spaces at the site beginning Dec. 1 through May 1.

"This is great news for people who ride Sounder," said Sound Transit Boardmember and Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling. "As ridership on the north line continues its double-digit growth, more citizens will be able to take advantage of the outstanding commuter rail service Sounder provides."

Sounder ridership on the north line grew nearly 25 percent in August compared to August of last year, and more than 19 percent in September, which saw a record 1,212 weekday boardings.

The agreement addresses a shortage of Sounder parking at the Edmonds Station. The additional parking will supplement 156 spaces already provided at the station.

Execution of the agreement is contingent on Board adoption of the Sound Transit 2013 budget. Salish Crossing will construct, own and maintain the facility.