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Public transit expansion in the Puget Sound region would pay for itself within 15 years through time and energy savings, according to a recent benefits-cost analysis conducted for Sound Transit by Parsons Brinckerhoff.

Sound Transit’s board is considering three system expansion options: a 20-year plan to add more than 50 miles of light-rail service, and two 12-year proposals that would add 18 to 23 miles of light-rail service and increase commuter-rail service. The board also is determining whether to place one of the options on the November 2008 ballot or wait until 2010.

The study assessed the impacts of transit expansion options on regional travel patterns in five categories: number of new transit riders; travel time savings for new and existing riders; savings in vehicle miles traveled because of new transit; paid parking saved for new riders; and reduction in delays caused by traffic congestion.

The study found that expanding Sound Transit’s rail system would save between 13 million and 34 million vehicle hours annually through reduced vehicle delays, depending on the option chosen.