In January, Sound Transit will host a series of open houses in South Sound communities to present information on the Sounder Station Access Planning Study. The agency is conducting the study to identify potential improvements in the ways commuters access its Sounder stations. Possible improvements the agency is studying include increased parking, pedestrian sidewalks, crosswalks and bridges, bicycle commute options, and transit facility enhancements. Open houses will include a description of Sound Transit service areas, transit routes, 2011 budget, and the Sound Transit 2 program; objectives of and timeline for the Sounder Station Access Planning Study; overview of existing station access issues and discussion of potential solutions; and informal Q & A and public comment. The Station Access Study is part of the ST2 regional transit funding package that voters approved in November 2008. The study is planned through 2011. All events take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The schedule is as follows:

Tacoma — Tues., Jan. 18
University of Washington -Tacoma
Jane Russell Commons
1918 Pacific Avenue

Sumner — Weds., Jan. 19
Sumner School
High School Commons
1707 Main St.

Puyallup — Thurs., Jan. 20
Puyallup City Hall: Chamber Hall
333 South Meridian

Lakewood — Tues., Jan. 25
Lakewood Boys & Girls Club
10402 Kline St SW

Kent — Weds., Jan. 26
Kent Senior Activity Center
600 E. Smith Street

Auburn — Thurs., Jan. 27
Auburn City Hall: Council Chamber
25 W. Main Street