Sound Transit pulls back on light rail, Sounder service in coronavirus outbreak
▪Sound Transit has reduced Link light rail and Sounder train service as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
A Thursday statement from Sound Transit’s CEO, Peter Rogoff, said there has been “significant declines in ridership.” Public transportation saw a drop of 69 percent in rides this week.
The outbreak also has led to operations and maintenance staff staying home in higher numbers.
“The changes that we are implementing respond to our dramatically reduced ridership while still preserving reliable service and maintaining ample flexibility for social distancing by riders,” Rogoff said.
The earliest and latest trains and buses will remain on the schedule, but Rogoff warned there could be further reductions as the outbreak continues.
Pierce Transit and the Tacoma Link services haven’t changed. Pierce Transit has implemented a distancing measure to protect bus drivers from the viral infection. The agency has roped off the first two rows directly behind the driver seat on both sides of the bus, according to a Pierce Transit tweet.
Link light rail
▪ Closures of downtown Seattle Link stations will begin Friday evening and extend through the weekend. By Monday, there will be 14-minute train frequencies.
▪ During the weekend closure, shuttle buses will connect riders between downtown stations and Capitol Hill and SODO stations. Shuttle buses will operate every 7-10 minutes. Fares will not be required for train or shuttle bus passengers.
Sounder trains
▪ Starting with the Monday afternoon commute, Sounder South weekday service will be reduced from 13 round-trips to eight round-trips.
▪ Northbound trips being canceled are the 1502and 1506 departures from Lakewood, and the 1516 and 1522 departures from Tacoma.
▪ Southbound trips being canceled are the 1503, 1509, 1517, 1519, and 1523 departures from Seattle.
▪ Beginning with the Monday afternoon commute, Sounder North weekday service will be reduced from four round trips to two round trips, with cancellation of the 1701 and 1705 departures from Everett and the 1700 and 1704 departures from Seattle.
Details on express buses in King County can be found here.
