Sound Transit to Launch Permit Parking Option on December 2

Nov 26, 2019 - Today, Sound Transit announced that reserved parking will soon be available at the main Park and Ride facility that it operates on Mercer Island.

As part of an ongoing regional initiative to provide additional parking options at its 14 busiest facilities, Sound Transit is adding the last three lots into its permit program, which started in 2018.

Park & Rides are considered eligible when they’re 90-100% full for three consecutive months – the facility on Mercer Island typically fills by 7:00am every weekday.

Online sales begin at 7:00am on Monday, December 2, on a first-come, first-served basis at this website: www.soundtransit.org/permitparking. Applicants must already possess an ORCA card, which are available online or at the North End QFC Supermarket.

The new monthly renewable permits will allow transit riders to access reserved parking stalls until 9:00am on weekdays. After 9:00am, permitted stalls become available to any driver for free, potentially providing new availability for MI residents who have not been able to utilize the P&R late on a weekday morning.

Permits will become active on January 2, 2020. For Mercer Island, permits will cost $120/month for Single Occupant Vehicles (SOV) or will be free for registered carpoolers/HOV’s (with conditions). Prices are based on market rates for private parking in nearby locations --Seattle’s current average monthly rate is $255/month.

All permit holders must ride transit at least 12 times each month from the Park & Ride. HOV permit holders may only use their permit when arriving with 2+ registered riders in the car at the time of parking, and all riders must then use transit on the same day to qualify. Sound Transit’s on-site permit operator will enforce these rules.

Although up to 50% of the P&R’s 447 stalls may be utilized for permitting, it’s quite likely the permits will sell out quickly on/after December 2; a wait-list will be made available if needed. Up to 56 permits will be reserved for Carpool/HOV users, and 168 permits will be available to SOV drivers.

To learn more or apply online, visit www.soundtransit.org/permitparking

Mercer Island residents may also be interested in the City's permit parking program for commuters, using available on-street space in Town Center, a short walk from the Park & Ride area.