Editing Sound Transit (section)

==Services==
{{multiple image |total_width=300 |align=right |direction=vertical |caption_align=left
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| header            = Sound Transit services
| image1            = Northbound Link train at Othello Station (31003193486).jpg
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| caption1          = A [[Link light rail]] train on the [[1 Line (Sound Transit)|1 Line]] in Seattle
| image2            = Sounder N Line trainset near Brackett's Landing in Edmonds, WA.jpg
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| caption2          = A [[Sounder commuter rail|Sounder]] commuter train in [[Edmonds, Washington|Edmonds]]
| image3            = Sound Transit double-decker bus 91711 on route 512, August 2018.jpg
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| caption3          = A double-decker [[Sound Transit Express]] bus on [[Interstate 5 in Washington|Interstate 5]] in Seattle
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Sound Transit operates three main transit services across the Seattle metropolitan area: the [[Link light rail]] system, which serves as the [[rapid transit]] system for the region; the [[Sounder commuter rail]] system from Everett to Lakewood, via Seattle; and the [[Sound Transit Express]] bus system across the three counties.<ref name="Modes">{{cite web |title=Modes of service |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/system-expansion/building-system/modes-service |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=December 15, 2024}}</ref> In 2024, these systems carried more than 41.7{{nbsp}}million total passengers, averaging 134,200 riders per day on weekdays.<ref name="TDP2024">{{cite web |date=August 22, 2024 |title=Sound Transit Transit Development Plan 2024–2029 |pages=6–11, 17, 24–28 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/sound-transit-transit-development-plan-20242029.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=December 15, 2024}}</ref><ref name="APTA-2024"/> A fourth service, [[Stride (bus rapid transit)|Stride]] bus rapid transit, is planned to be introduced in the late 2020s.<ref name="Modes"/><ref name="Times-Megaproject2024">{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=March 29, 2024 |title=Sound Transit will pay $600K to new megaproject leader hired from LAX |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-will-pay-600k-to-new-megaproject-leader-hired-from-lax/ |work=[[The Seattle Times]] |accessdate=August 16, 2024}}</ref> Sound Transit's services use a unified [[livery]] and paint scheme that consists of blue, teal, and green waves against a white background.<ref>{{cite press release |date=May 19, 1998 |title=Sound Transit board selects graphic designs for trains and buses |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/sound-transit-board-selects-graphic-designs-trains-buses |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=December 18, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Foster |first=George |date=December 10, 1999 |title=Sound Transit still battling to get on track |page=C14 |work=[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]}}</ref> Link, Sounder, and Stride all use the same naming scheme for lines and services, which switched from colors to numbers and letters in 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lassen |first=David |date=September 1, 2021 |title=Sound Transit introduces new names, color coding for rail lines |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/sound-transit-introduces-new-names-color-coding-for-rail-line-lines/ |work=[[Trains (magazine)|Trains]] |accessdate=December 18, 2024}}</ref>

All of Sound Transit's services accept cash payment and mobile tickets as well as the regional [[ORCA card]], a contactless [[proximity card]] with stored fares and passes.<ref name="ST-Guide">{{cite web |title=New to Sound Transit? |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/know-before-you-go/new-to-sound-transit |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=December 18, 2019 |archive-date=December 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221202654/https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/know-before-you-go/new-to-sound-transit |url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2024}}, fares on Link and Sound Transit Express use a flat rate while most Sounder passengers pay based on the traveled distance.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=August 30, 2024 |title=Light rail to Lynnwood starts today; so do flat fares, systemwide |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/light-rail-to-lynnwood-starts-today-so-do-flat-fares-systemwide/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=December 18, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=December 15, 2023 |title=Sound Transit Resolution No. R2023-37 |page=12 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/st_sharepoint/download/sites/PRDA/FinalRecords/2023/Resolution%20R2023-37.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=December 18, 2024}}</ref> Discounts are offered for eligible low-income households, senior citizens, and people with disabilities; passengers under the age of 19 are not charged a fare as part of a statewide program.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=September 26, 2023 |title=What fare is fair? Sound Transit wants your opinion |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/what-fare-is-fair-sound-transit-wants-your-opinion/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=December 18, 2024}}</ref><ref name="FareReport"/> Sound Transit's light rail and commuter rail stations do not have [[faregates]] or [[turnstiles]], instead relying on [[proof of payment]] that is enforced by fare ambassadors.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=January 3, 2024 |title=Sound Transit looks to other cities as it considers fare gates |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-looks-to-other-cities-as-it-considers-fare-gates/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=December 18, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kroman |first=David |date=November 1, 2023 |title=Sound Transit to resume citations for passengers as it enforces fares |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-to-resume-citations-for-passengers-as-it-enforces-fares/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=December 18, 2024}}</ref>

{{As of|2024}}, Sound Transit has a fleet of 538 vehicles for use on its services. The fleet is composed of 175 [[low-floor tram|low-floor]] light rail vehicles for the 1 and 2 Lines; 8 [[streetcar]]s for the T{{nbsp}}Line; 78 [[bilevel rail car|bilevel cars]] and 14 [[Locomotive|locomotives]] for Sounder; and 319 buses for Sound Transit Express.<ref name="TDP2024"/> The entire Link and Sound Transit Express fleet is considered [[Accessibility|accessible]], with level boarding or [[wheelchair ramp|ramps]] and [[wheelchair lift|lifts]]. Sounder trains have a high platform with a designated level boarding area for ramps.<ref>{{cite web |title=Transit accessibility |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/know-before-you-go/transit-accessibility |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=December 18, 2024}}</ref> All vehicles are also equipped to carry [[bicycle]]s in [[bicycle carrier|racks]]; Sound Transit also provides [[bicycle parking station|bicycle cages]] at some stations.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=August 18, 2010 |title=Sound Transit will add more bike parking to deal with shortage |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/sound-transit-will-add-more-bike-parking-to-deal-with-shortage/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=December 18, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=February 17, 2016 |title=ST Spotlight: Bikes on board |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/st-spotlight-bikes-board |work=The Platform |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=December 18, 2024}}</ref> By 2027, the agency plans to deploy an additional 49 light rail vehicles for Link and 44 buses for the Stride bus rapid transit system, including [[double-decker bus]]es.<ref name="TDP2024"/>

===Link light rail===
{{main|Link light rail|List of Link light rail stations}}

The [[Link light rail]] system encompasses three lines with {{convert|45.1|mi|km}} of track and 43 stations.<ref name="SafetyPlan">{{cite web |date=September 2024 |title=Sound Transit Agency Safety Plan |pages=43–50 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/st_sharepoint/download/sites/PRDA/FinalRecords/2024/Report%20-%20Agency%20Safety%20Plan%20September%202024%20-%2009-23-24.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=December 25, 2024}}</ref> The three lines, which have no direct connection between each other, are the [[1 Line (Sound Transit)|1{{nbsp}}Line]] between [[Seattle]], [[Tukwila, Washington|Tukwila]], and [[SeaTac, Washington|SeaTac]]; the [[2 Line (Sound Transit)|2{{nbsp}}Line]] between [[Bellevue, Washington|Bellevue]] and [[Redmond, Washington|Redmond]]; and the [[T Line (Sound Transit)|T{{nbsp}}Line]] in central [[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma]].<ref name="TDP2024"/> Link trains carried 30.5{{nbsp}}million passengers in 2024 and averaged 98,300 passengers on weekdays across the 1{{nbsp}}Line and T{{nbsp}}Line. It is the [[List of United States light rail systems by ridership|fourth-busiest]] light rail system in the United States by ridership, behind [[Los Angeles Metro Rail|Los Angeles]], [[San Diego Trolley|San Diego]], and [[Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority|Boston]].<ref name="APTA-2024">{{cite web |date=February 19, 2025 |title=Public Transportation Ridership Report, Fourth Quarter 2024 |pages=3–6 |url=https://www.apta.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-Q4-Ridership-APTA.pdf |publisher=[[American Public Transportation Association]] |accessdate=March 1, 2025}}</ref>

Link trains generally run seven days a week at frequencies of 6 to 24 minutes, with stops spaced closely together. All stations are accessible and most offer connections to nearby buses or a [[park and ride]] facility.<ref name="ST-Guide"/><ref name="SafetyPlan"/> The system is planned to expand to 83 stations and {{convert|116|mi|km}} by 2041, with five lines serving all three counties.<ref name="ENR-2024">{{cite news |last=Cho |first=Aileen |date=August 5, 2024 |title=Providing Safe, 'Sound' Transit in the Emerald City |url=https://www.enr.com/articles/59079-providing-safe-sound-transit-in-the-emerald-city |work=[[Engineering News-Record]] |accessdate=August 16, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=January 2019 |title=Pierce County 2019 Regional Report |page=8 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/regional-report-pierce-county-201901.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=August 16, 2024}}</ref> 1{{nbsp}}Line and 2{{nbsp}}Line trains are operated and maintained under contract with [[King County Metro]] and use longer, four-car trainsets that have a typical capacity of 150 passengers in each car.<ref name="Budget-Link">{{cite web |date=October 2024 |title=2025 Proposed Budget & Financial Plan |pages=12, 15–25 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/2025-proposed-budget-financial-plan.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=December 15, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=March 8, 2024 |title=Sound Transit pulls out the stops to solve a Lynnwood train shortage |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-pulls-out-the-stops-to-solve-a-lynnwood-train-shortage/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=December 15, 2024}}</ref> The T{{nbsp}}Line uses low-floor streetcars, unable to be coupled into pairs, and are the only Sound Transit service to be directly operated and maintained by the agency rather than a contractor.<ref name="Budget-Link"/>

===Sounder commuter rail===
{{main|Sounder commuter rail}}

[[Sounder commuter rail|Sounder]] is the regional [[commuter rail]] service managed by Sound Transit and has two lines that intersect at [[King Street Station]] in [[Downtown Seattle]]. Trains generally run during [[rush hour]]s with limited service at other times, including weekend trains for special events. The N{{nbsp}}Line connects Seattle to [[Everett, Washington|Everett]], stopping at two intermediate stations in [[Snohomish County, Washington|Snohomish County]]. The S{{nbsp}}Line connects Seattle to [[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma]] and [[Lakewood, Washington|Lakewood]], stopping at six other stations in [[Pierce County, Washington|Pierce County]] and southern [[King County, Washington|King County]].<ref>{{cite web |date=December 2019 |title=2019 Washington State Rail System Plan |page=20 |url=https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2019/12/31/draft-state-rail-plan-2019.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |access-date=January 3, 2020 |archive-date=January 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104063515/https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2019/12/31/draft-state-rail-plan-2019.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> Trains are operated under contract by [[BNSF Railway]] crews on the company's leased tracks, while the vehicles are maintained by [[Amtrak]].<ref>{{cite web |date=November 2019 |title=2020 Service Implementation Plan |pages=4, 17 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/2020-service-implementation-plan.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=January 3, 2020 |archive-date=January 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104063514/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/2020-service-implementation-plan.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> Sounder uses a fleet of [[Bombardier BiLevel Coach]] passenger cars that each have a seating capacity of 130 to 146 passengers depending on their configuration. They have restrooms, space for bicycles and wheelchairs, tables, [[cupholder]]s, [[power outlet]]s, and [[Wi-Fi]].<ref name="SounderReport">{{cite report |date=April 2020 |title=Sounder South Strategic Development & Implementation Plan |pages=1–7 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/sounder-south-strategic-plan-final.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=December 21, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Pryne |first=Eric |date=February 2, 2004 |title=Sounder officials OK with low ridership |page=B1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> The S{{nbsp}}Line typically uses an eight-car configuration that carries 950 seated passengers, while the N{{nbsp}}Line uses two to three cars in normal service that can carry 300 to 450 passengers.<ref name="TDP2024"/><ref name="Modes"/> In 2024, Sounder trains carried 1.88{{nbsp}}million total passengers and averaged 6,900{{nbsp}}weekday boardings.<ref name="APTA-2024"/>

===Sound Transit Express===
{{main|Sound Transit Express}}

[[Sound Transit Express]] is a network of 28 limited-stop express bus routes providing regional service to cities in all three counties, primarily using a network of [[high-occupancy vehicle lane]]s (HOV lanes) on state-maintained freeways.<ref name="SafetyPlan"/> Some routes operate seven days a week, while others are limited to rush hours only.<ref name="ST-Guide"/><ref>{{cite web |date=July 2023 |title=Transit Development Plan 2023–2028 and 2022 Annual Report |page=10 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/sound-transit-tdp-2023-2028-and-2022-annual-report-20230703.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=July 21, 2023 |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722053636/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/sound-transit-tdp-2023-2028-and-2022-annual-report-20230703.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> These routes normally have wide distances between stops, which are primarily hubs and transfer points in cities and suburban areas where local routes operated by other agencies connect; many stops also have park and ride lots.<ref name="Budget-Link"/><ref>{{cite web |year=2018 |title=Sound Transit Service Standards and Performance Measures |pages=10–16 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/2018-service-standards-measures.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=December 18, 2024}}</ref> Sound Transit funded the construction of new transit hubs, park and ride lots, and direct access ramps to the HOV lanes as part of the rollout and expansion of express buses.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=October 3, 2003 |title=Sound Transit may increase express buses' frequency, destinations |page=B2 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> In 2024, the express buses carried 9.3{{nbsp}}million total passengers and had a weekday average of 28,700{{nbsp}}riders.<ref name="APTA-2024"/> The busiest route in 2023 was Route 550, which connects Seattle to Bellevue and carried 1.17{{nbsp}}million riders.<ref name="FareReport">{{cite web |date=August 2024 |title=Fare Revenue Report 2023 |pages=10–13, 32 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/fare-revenue-report-2023.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=December 13, 2024}}</ref>

The fleet of 319 buses<ref name="TDP2024"/> is owned by Sound Transit and includes double-decker buses with up to 81 seats, [[articulated bus]]es, high-floor [[coach (bus)|motorcoaches]], and standard buses with a minimum of 42 seats.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gray |first=Bruce |date=March 26, 2019 |title=Ride tall: New double decker buses roll out on the Eastside |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/new-double-decker-buses-have-arrived-carry-more-people-better-views |work=The Platform |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=December 18, 2024}}</ref><ref name="SIP2018">{{cite web |date=December 2017 |title=2018 Service Implementation Plan |page=53 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/2018-service-implementation-plan.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=December 18, 2024}}</ref> These buses include upholstered and cushioned seats that are able to recline, [[footstool|footrest]]s, overhead luggage racks, air conditioning, [[Light fixture|reading light]]s, and bicycle racks.<ref name="TNT-Express1999">{{cite news |last=Collins |first=Eric |date=September 20, 1999 |title=Sound Transit's airport bus hits road |pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-tribune-sound-transits-airport/113601841/ A1], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-tribune-sound-transits-airport/113601845/ A10] |work=[[The News Tribune]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-tribune-sound-transits-airport/113601841/ |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |accessdate=December 21, 2024}}</ref><ref name="PI-Buses1999">{{cite news |last=Foster |first=George |date=October 18, 1999 |title=The seats on the bus go shake, shake, shake... |page=B1 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> Sound Transit Express buses use [[diesel fuel|diesel]] or [[compressed natural gas]] for fuel, along with several [[hybrid electric bus]]es.<ref name="SafetyPlan"/> They are operated and maintained under contracts with local transit authorities ([[Community Transit]], [[King County Metro]], and [[Pierce Transit]]) who also deploy [[Rail replacement bus service|shuttle buses]] during disruptions to rail services.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lindblom |first1=Mike |last2=Beekman |first2=Daniel |date=March 16, 2019 |title=Sound Transit CEO considers outside contractors to run Highway 520 buses |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-ceo-considers-outside-contractors-to-run-highway-520-buses/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=July 21, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=November 20, 2024 |title=What the Western WA windstorm means for buses, light rail and ferries |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/weather/what-the-western-wa-windstorm-means-for-buses-light-rail-and-ferries/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=December 18, 2024}}</ref>

===Stride===
{{main|Stride (bus rapid transit)}}

A [[bus rapid transit]] system, named [[Stride (bus rapid transit)|Stride]], was funded by the Sound Transit 3 ballot measure and is scheduled to open in the late 2020s.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 2023 |title=Stride bus rapid transit: Frequently asked questions |pages=1–4 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/stride-program-faq-20230713.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=July 21, 2023}}</ref> Stride is planned to have three lines: the [[Stride S1 Line|S1 Line]] on Interstate 405 between [[Burien, Washington|Burien]] and [[Bellevue, Washington|Bellevue]], scheduled to open in late 2028; the [[Stride S2 Line|S2 Line]] on Interstate 405 between Bellevue and Lynnwood, scheduled to open in 2029; and the [[Stride S3 Line|S3 Line]] on State Route 522 between [[Shoreline South/148th station]] and [[Bothell, Washington|Bothell]], scheduled to open in 2028.<ref name="PR-Stride2023">{{cite press release |date=July 27, 2023 |title=Sound Transit sets baseline budget, schedule for Stride Bus Rapid Transit |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/sound-transit-sets-baseline-budget-schedule-stride-bus |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=July 27, 2023}}</ref>

===Paratransit===

Sound Transit contracts with Community Transit, King County Metro, and Pierce Transit to provide [[paratransit]] service along the Link light rail network in compliance with the [[Americans with Disabilities Act]]. Costs are split equally between Sound Transit and the contracted provider within the Link corridor.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 25, 2024 |title=Sound Transit Motion No. M2024-48 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/st_sharepoint/download/sites/PRDA/ActiveDocuments/Motion%20M2024-48.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=July 25, 2024}}</ref> The agency is not required to operate paratransit service along Sounder and Sound Transit Express routes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Transit accessibility |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/know-before-you-go/transit-accessibility/ada-complementary-paratransit-service |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=July 15, 2024}}</ref>