The purpose of the Expert Review Panel, as directed by RCW 81.104, is to provide independent review during the development of the plan update so that critical questions are posed and assessed, as well as to guide the preparation of the plan through the panel's review of methodologies and assumptions, and to ensure the assumptions in the study plan are appropriate and reasonable.
The panel's technical review of the plan development is necessary to guarantee that the Sound Transit governing board can make appropriate decisions for Phase 3 Plan investments in the region's high-capacity transportation system.