The Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority was formed in 1996 in an alliance by three counties in Washington State. It operates Bus services as well as heavy and light rail. Service is operated jointly by several different Transit agencies that are part of the alliance.

Quick Facts:

Fleet Size: 280 Low Floor, Single Deck and Articulated Buses

Routes: 25

Manufacturer and Powerplant: Sound Transit and its sister agencies procure buses from New Flyer, Gillig and Motor Coach Industries. After observing the impact that Double Deckers have had in Victoria, British Columbia, Community Transit an ally has recently ordered 5 Alexander Dennis Enviro 500 Double Deckers.

Fare Collection: The contactless card payment payment system in the Puget Sound region is called Orca card. (One Regional Card for All) It is valid on Sound Transit and its sister agencies.

Livery: Sound Transit vehicles are known for their distinctive blue "wave" paint schemes provoking the slogan "ride the wave".

Innovations: Sound Transit's Link Light Rail service is notable for being one of the newest projects to near completion. Expansion to other locations has already begun underway. The use of "Transit Tunnels" where Light Rail Vehicles and buses share the platform is also unique to the region.

Driving Dynamics: The stress that plagues larger transit authorities hardly applies to Sound Transit as its goal is not to absorb the surrounding agencies but compliment the services already offered. Sound Transit also sub contracts a few of its routes to smaller companies. Splitting the responsibility among several agencies has "lightened the load" so to speak. Sound Transit is also known for its Transit oriented programs and agendas aimed at getting people out of their cars and on to the bus or train.