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Sound Transit recently proposed an agreement to pay bus operator King County, Wash.’s Metro $125 million during five years to operate the Central Link light-rail system after it opens.



"Rather than creating a new infrastructure to operate Central Link, this agreement will use our region’s tax dollars more efficiently by relying on an organization that already safelt and efficiently carries millions of passengers every year," said Sound Transit Executive Director Joni Earl in a prepared statement.



If approved, the agreement would require Metro to operate within a budget that cannot be exceeded unless approved by Sound Transit, and is subject to regular audits. Sound Transit also would approve annual staffing plans for Central Link to monitor and maintain costs.



Sound Transit Board and King County Council must approve the agreement.