Von Reichbauer Issues Statement on Light Rail in South King County

July 10, 2025

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer issued the following statement concerning today’s announcement that light rail service may begin in Federal Way as early as later this year. Von Reichbauer also serves on the Sound Transit Board of Directors.

“Better a delayed promise than a broken one,” said von Reichbauer. “I want to thank the ‘godmother’ of Sound Transit, Senator Patty Murray, our new CEO Dow Constantine, and Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus for helping me move South King County up on the schedule for the start of light rail service to Downtown Federal Way.
 
“Our $3.2 billion light rail project will serve an estimated 20,000 to 23,000 daily riders and will create predictability for workers who commute daily, as well as for travelers heading to SeaTac Airport.
 
“As our region prepares for FIFA next year, light rail will put South King County on the map as a destination for the hundreds of thousands of visitors traveling to our region for the tournament.”