Push made for more buses

Last-minute talks are under way to wedge more buses into Sound Transit's proposed fall ballot measure, in hopes of persuading more elected officials to back the plan.

As the week began, 13 of the 18 board members favored asking the voters for a sales-tax increase to fund light-rail extensions reaching Lynnwood, Overlake and the north end of Federal Way, as well as more south-end commuter trains and some bus increases, for a total of $17.6 billion by 2023. More than 70 percent of the money would go toward light-rail construction.

The action seems aimed largely at Gov. Christine Gregoire. Her transportation secretary, Paula Hammond, has leaned against a ballot plan, saying it should have more buses.

Gregoire has questioned whether drivers would get enough quick relief from rising gasoline prices, while they wait years for more rail.

"There is active discussion going on about trying to see if we can expand bus service in the package," the governor's senior adviser, Ron Judd, said Wednesday afternoon. Judd said Gregoire has not suggested particular routes, and he declined to discuss dollar figures.

Sound Transit needs only 12 "yes" votes, at a meeting today, to reach the ballot. But members want more unity heading into campaign season.

Another member, King County Executive Ron Sims, has announced his opposition, saying the money would be better spent on buses, and the public needs a break from sales taxes.

Mike Lindblom: 206-515-5631 or mlindblom@seattletimes.com