For some of the commuters in Seattle's Capitol Hill, this is life one year after the light rail stations opened.

It has made life a lot easier, said Oliver Krengel.

Jarryd Baxter said on his way to work in the Columbia City that, now, I can get to work without much of a hassle. I do not have to deal with Seattle traffic.

Sunday marks one year since the Sound Transit opened light rail stations at the University of Washington and Capitol Hill, and also the $1.8 billion tunnel connecting the two stations.

This year, the transportation agency said that the ridership has spiked 78 percent in February, as compared to the February of 2016 before both stations opened.

I used to just never leave the hill because it was just such a pain, and now it is so much easier, said Elena Tarrasova, who was on her way to the business meeting in Pioneer Square.

This week, Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff told to KING 5 News that more expansion plans are in the works.

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However, just as the riders crave more possibilities, the blueprint for President Trump’s budget, which cuts the federal transportation dollars, may delay the Seattle’s light rail expansion.

In addition to this, there is recent sticker shock over the higher car-tab fees to pay for more public transportation.

The Sound Transit was expecting more than $1 billion from federal government to extend light rail to Lynnwood and Federal Way, but leaders may have to decide which projects to delay if the Congress approves President Trump’s full budget, which is expected to be released in the May.

Mrudula Duddempudi.