Seattle’s Sound Transit approved a contract with PCL Construction Services Inc. to build its Bus Base North, a critical milestone in developing the agency’s Stride bus rapid transit (BRT) network.

“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,” said Sound Transit Board Chair Dave Somers in a press release. “Board members and the residents that they represent understand that advancing construction on Bus Base North is a key milestone for Stride and ST3.”

Sound Transit’s New Bus Base

The 365,125 square foot facility will accommodate up to 120 double-decker and articulated buses for Stride and ST Express services, providing storage, charging, and maintenance, as well as administrative and operations support for Stride BRT service.

The fixed-price contract approves $228,334,322 for construction with a 20% contingency of $45,668,864 for a total authorized contract not to exceed $274,013,186, according to the agency. 

The scope of construction will include three buildings:

• A two-story operations and administration center.

• A two-story parking and serving center with parking for 255 employees, visitors, and non-rev vehicles on the upper deck and room for up to 120 buses on the lower deck. 

• A two-story structure containing areas for maintenance and parts storage,

The contract will also include construction of a vehicle ramp and bridge to parking, installation of stormwater retention facilities, landscaping, fencing, lighting, and a guard house.

“The approval of the Bus Base North contract is an important step forward for Stride” said Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine. “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.”

Sound Transit’s Stride BRT Line

Sound Transit's Stride BRT, which comprises of three lines, will be a fast, frequent, and reliable bus service connecting to Link light rail and communities north, east, and south of Lake Washington. 

The BRT line’s fleet will include Sound Transit's first battery-electric buses. The agency plans to use double-decker buses for two of the lines and 60-foot articulated buses for the third. 

The different vehicles will help meet the specific needs of each route, said Sound Transit officials. 

Stride will provide service 17-plus hours per day, seven days a week. During operation, buses will be able to recharge their batteries at layover stations at the end of each route before returning to service.