 Construction on SR-520 closes the Montlake Freeway Station; mitigation service was added to ST Express Route 542 on March 23, 2019.
Montlake Freeway Station bus stops close
Staring June 22, 2019, buses will no longer stop at the Montlake Freeway Station due to the construction of WSDOT's Montlake project. In response, WSDOT and Sound Transit have partnered together to add ST Route 542 service on evenings and weekends in order to provide 7-day service between the Redmond, Montlake and the U-District. The stop at Montlake Boulevard and Shelby Street will be the closest alternative stop once the station closes.
- Route 545 riders traveling between the Eastside and Montlake can ride expanded Route 542.
- Route 545 riders traveling between downtown Seattle and Montlake can ride Link light rail.
- Route 555 riders traveling between Northgate and Montlake can ride Metro Route 67.
- Route 555 riders traveling between Bellevue and Montlake can ride Metro Route 271.
For more information, check out WSDOT's project fact sheet.
 Transit Tips: Simple steps for a better trip
Summer in Seattle is beautiful, and we know everyone wants to be outside soaking in the sun. Link is busy during the warmer months, taking locals and travelers alike around the city. With so many riders, trains will be crowded. If we can all follow some simple rules when riding Link, we'll all have a better trip. This month, we are focusing on backpacks.
To the backpack wearer. Please take off your backpack to avoid playing "whack-a-mole” with the people sitting down and make more room for the rest of us. Put it between your feet.
 SOV Parking Permits: Angle Lake Station parking update
Coming July 2019
Sound Transit is providing a new reserved parking option at Angle Lake Station and encouraging riders to find other ways to get to the station, from sharing rides to making local bus connections.
Reserved parking permit options
New solo driver permit
At the Angle Lake Station parking garage, the existing carpool permit parking area on Level 3 will be expanded to provide a new choice for riders who drive alone but can't get to the station before the garage typically fills. Single Occupant Vehicle (SOV) permits will be available for a standard monthly fee of $90, with a discounted rate of $30 per month for riders who are eligible for ORCA Lift reduced fares.
Carpool permit
Parking permits are free to groups of two or more riders who carpool to the station at least 12 times per month.
All permit holders must have an ORCA or ORCA Lift fare card and commit to ride transit from their permitted station 12 or more times per month. All other parking will remain open on a first-come, first-serve basis, as will any unused permit spaces after 9 a.m. and on holidays and weekends.
For more information or a permit, visit soundtransit.org/permitparking. To see if you qualify for ORCA Lift, visit soundtransit.org/orca-lift.
 New on-demand transportation to Link light rail stations
Sound Transit is proud to partner with King County Metro and the City of Seattle to bring you Via to Transit, a new stress-free connection to and from transit. Quickly get to or from Link light rail or bus service at Mount Baker, Columbia City, Othello, Rainer Beach, or Tukwila International Blvd. stations by requesting an on-demand ride. Find out more and download the Via app at kingcounty.gov/metro/via-to-transit.
 Blue Line construction more than 50 percent complete
Earlier this spring, construction on the 14-mile, 10 station Blue Line, also known as East Link, surpassed the 50 percent construction milestone and continues transforming the Eastside skyline. Since construction began in 2016, almost 6,000 Union workers have put in almost 3 million hours so far. Here are some construction highlights:
- Excavation of a tunnel under downtown Bellevue has been completed and a new train bridge has been built crossing I-405
- Approximately three miles of elevated guideway have been constructed and the I-90 floating bridge has been strengthened
This summer, work will pick up as crews continue to install the I-90 track bridge across the Homer M. Hadley floating bridge, a first anywhere in the world. Later this year, crews will wrap up work on Mercer Island Station, the first Blue Line Station to be completed.
Preparations for Connect 2020 are also underway. This construction work will tie the new tracks into the existing alignment at International District Station in early 2020 which will require closing some downtown stations temporarily. More information about Connect 2020 will be rolling out later this summer.
While there's still a lot of work ahead before the Blue Line begins operating in 2023, it will transform the commutes for thousands of people.
Stay up to date with project information by signing up for email alerts here.
 Safety tip!
It's almost summer and that means more time outside, to parks, to beaches, on bike rides and walks with friends. As you are out and about, a friendly reminder to always obey crossing signs around all train tracks. Always keep in mind:
- Never cross tracks when the light is red, or gates are down
- Always expect a 2nd train
- Never try to beat a train- they are closer than they appear
- Never stop your vehicle on the tracks
Crossing accidents are preventable.
Find out more information on how to stay safe here!
 How WE GET TO WORK! (Alex)
We're excited to present a new feature in our quarterly newsletter highlighting how different people get around the region. In our first edition, meet Alex Ko, Customer Outreach Specialist at Sound Transit!
I live in Rainier Beach, and am fortunate to have lots of transportation options. Usually, I ride my bike a mile to the Othello light rail station, park it in my dedicated bike locker there, and hop on the train to International District station where our office is located. If it's nice out, I might ride my bike all the way to work along the Chief Sealth trail across Beacon Hill. Sometimes I have to bring lots of materials to work, and when that happens I can take Via to Transit, a carshare, to Othello station then catch LINK. Occasionally I'll catch King County Metro routes 7 or 9 on Rainier because they are three blocks from my house. With all my options, I can be flexible how I get to and from work!
You can be featured in an upcoming newsletter!
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