Progress begins on Renton Transit Center
Published on February 05, 2026
On February 4, Sound Transit, the City of Renton, and partners broke ground on the new Renton Transit Center. The project will move and improve the transit center to support existing and future routes in our region. Some of these routes include the Stride S1 line (future), RapidRide I Line (future), RapidRide F Line (existing), and other King County Metro Routes.
The new Renton Transit Center, located on the corner of South Grady Way and Rainier Avenue South, will be a key stop on the Stride S1 Bellevue-to-Burien route. The new facility will include eight bus bays, covered waiting areas, and a new four-way signalized intersection to improve bus flow. To ensure fast, reliable trips, a bus-only lane will be added on the northbound shoulder of SR 167.
The project also adds sidewalks, lighting, multi-use paths, expands the existing two-way bike lane on Shattuck Avenue South, and installs new stormwater bioswales, vegetation, and plantings.
What is Stride 1?
Sound Transit’s Stride bus rapid transit (BRT) will run their first battery-electric double-decker buses, running every 10–15 minutes for 17+ hours daily. Designed to meet the region’s growing demand, Stride will carry more passengers more frequently.
With Renton at its center, the Stride S1 Line will connect communities between Burien to Bellevue offering connections to the Tukwila International Blvd Station and Bellevue Transit Center (and Link light rail).
Like the light and Sounder commuter rails, Stride will feature off-board fare payment and multiple-door boarding for quick, convenient travel.
Investing in regional connectivity and transportation for Renton’s growing workforce
The Renton Transit Center is a vital investment in Renton’s role as a regional hub connecting the Eastside and South King County. Renton’s workforce and economy are growing, and relocating the transit center creates a prime opportunity to redevelop the Rainier/Grady corridor into a transit-oriented, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood.
The project will drive public investment and private funding to transform the Rainier/Grady corridor and influence Renton’s downtown vision. City planners have been actively shaping transit-oriented development strategies that support workforce growth, increased housing density, retail opportunities, and the creation of vibrant, connected neighborhoods.
For commuters, the S1 Line will primarily operate in HOV lanes and dedicated transit infrastructure, reducing overall travel times along I-405 and SR 518.
Renton Transit Center upgrade: Key improvements and how to stay informed
Sound Transit is leading the construction of the Renton Transit Center, a major investment shaping the future for Renton. The project is already underway and is expected to be completed by early 2028.
Key construction elements include:
- New entrance off of Rainier
- Parking lot
- Stormwater bioswales and green landscaping
- Pedestrian-friendly multi-use paths
- Curb access off of Lake Avenue South
- Pavement modifications to extend the bike lane off Shattuck Avenue South
- Water and sewer line installation on South Grady Way
- Intersection improvements at Rainier Avenue South and Hardie Ave SW for bus access
- Upgrades to the existing Renton Park and Ride
In 2026, work will focus on underground elements such as utility work. This will include sewer, water, stormwater management, electrical, and irrigation systems.
Starting in late 2026 through 2027, visible progress will include paving, traffic signal installation, intersection improvements and above-ground construction. The majority of construction work is scheduled for summer 2027. Final landscaping and paving on Lake Avenue South will continue through early 2028.
The timeline is tentative and may be adjusted due to unforeseen underground conditions, material availability, or weather.
Sound Transit will lead all public communications about construction impacts, with support from the City of Renton. Communities will receive at least 30 days’ notice before work begins in any area.
Stay informed with the latest updates by visiting Sound Transit’s projects page.
The Rainier/Grady Junction Transit-Oriented Development Plan for a connected community
The new Renton Transit Center is part of a larger transit-oriented development (TOD) Plan adopted by Renton City Council in 2021. The Rainier/Grady Junction TOD Subarea Plan outlines a vision and strategies to guide future growth and transportation options at the corner of Rainier Avenue South and South Grady Way.
To prepare for the anticipated development around the new transit center, the City of Renton partnered with MAKERS Architecture and Urban Design to lead a comprehensive planning process
The resulting subarea plan serves as a framework to direct future public and private investments, encouraging mixed-use development, enhancing multimodal transportation options, improving pedestrian connectivity, and integrating the area with neighboring communities.