Sound Transit makes additional cuts to light rail service

COVID-19 impact on staffing, ridership

Due to fluctuating staffing availability to operate service, Sound Transit is introducing additional service reductions on Link beginning Monday, April 20.

The further service reductions also reflect an 87 percent system-wide reduction in ridership, with Link and almost all ST Express routes, as well as Sounder service, already operating at reduced levels, according to a Sound Transit news release. Link light rail trains will operate with the maximum length of four cars to increase space for social distancing.

Sound Transit is reminding riders that they should limit travel to essential trips and follow social distancing and other critical health guidelines to protect the community. Consistent with recent health guidance Sound Transit recommends that riders wear protective face masks.

Further reductions to Link light rail

Link light rail trains will run every 30 minutes instead of the previous service level of every 20 minutes. A revised schedule is posted online at https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/changes-affect-my-ride/reduced-service.

Sound Transit security officers and law enforcement officers are working to respond to an increase in vandalism and unsanitary conditions that has occurred since Sound Transit suspended fares in response to COVID-19. Riders who encounter conditions that they consider unsafe should contact Sound Transit Security by calling or texting 206-398-5268. In an emergency, always call 911.

For more details regarding COVID-19 related temporary service reduction, please visit: https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/service-alerts/temporary-fare-suspension-service-reductions-0.