the predecessor to sound transit was a 1995 ballot measure that was rejected by voters because of its $6.7 billion cost. the first sound transit ballot measure passed in 1996 as the current mix of buses, commuter rail and light rail, at a cost of $3.9 billion. by proposing a much smaller light rail system, the remaining funds could be used for the two other services, ensuring that the entire seattle area received services from the measure.