Light rail to Federal Way is one step closer to reality

The route would take the line through Kent and a good chunk of the way to Tacoma.

The Federal Transit Administration has agreed to pay for some of the line's costs. This clears the way for the start of work on the extension, which is expected to be complete by 2024.

It’s a big win for the three-station extension of the line south from Sea-Tac airport and Angle Lake.

Peter Rogoff, chief executive of Sound Transit, said the new line will be a game-changer for commuters from South King County.

“Travelling to and from South King to the City of Seattle is some of the most punishing congestion you’re going to find anywhere in the country," Rogoff said. "Having a light rail option getting off of I-5 is going to be game-changing for a lot of families.”

Other new light rail destinations are no longer far away. Light rail arrives at Northgate in about two years. In four years, there will be trains to Bellevue and Federal Way.

And five years from now, trains will run to Lynnwood and Redmond. Trains to West Seattle, Ballard, Everett and Issaquah are still off in the distant future.