Winter 2021 edition
Welcome to the winter edition of Sound Transit’s Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) newsletter where we feature the latest service-related information — as well as a few project highlights — for you to share with your employees or professional network.
2020 was a difficult and challenging year — one that brought big changes from a pandemic to a widespread movement for racial and social justice. Although it wasn’t easy, the year taught us just how resilient we are. Look back at the year with some of our photos and videos.
While we are encouraged by news from several other countries that public transit is not a spreader of COVID-19, Sound Transit will continue to do everything we can to make your ride safe as we look forward to a post-COVID world.
It's more important now than ever that we all work together to keep each other safe. We expect our riders to do their part following practical and critical health guidelines. By now, we know the drill: Wash your hands. Stay home if you are sick. Wear a mask. (Masks are required on board all Sound Transit buses and trains.) We’re working hard to keep everyone who uses our system safe with daily disinfecting regimens, wearing protective equipment and providing contact-free payment options.
Last December the Sound Transit Board adopted new, lower Sounder fares for low-income adults, youths, seniors and people with disabilities. These Sounder passengers will now benefit from a simple flat fare, aligning these fares with those already available on Link light rail and ST Express buses. Starting March 1, low income and youth fares on Sounder will reduce from current levels ranging between $4.25 and $2.50 to a flat $1.50 for all destinations. Current fares ranging between $2.75 and $1.50 for seniors and people will disabilities will reduce to a flat $1 for all destinations.
On Nov. 19, 2020, the Sound Transit Board approved the 2021 Service Plan. The approved service changes will improve reliability, relieve overcrowding, build ridership and capacity, and increase productivity. The 2021 plan also accounts for the Northgate Link light rail extension opening this fall and considers how to reroute some of our services to connect with three new stations in north Seattle (U District, Roosevelt and Northgate). You’ll see minor changes in March; the majority of the changes will take place in September.
Due to the pandemic, much of our focus over the past year has rightly been on physical health and safety and working to slow the spread. But there are other types of safety that are important for passenger confidence, including psychological safety. You may remember four years ago we launched a “Hate-Free Zone” campaign that we ran through 2019, including social media, onboard signage and other applications. It’s time to update and amplify those messages.
We have unveiled a new campaign called “All Aboard,” with a tagline “Care for All, Hate for None.” We want this new campaign to address acts of racism and harassment and to help all riders feel welcome and supported while using our service. We want riders to know very clearly what steps they can take if they feel unsafe, or if they experience or witness harassment. You will see our buses and trains wrapped in the “All Aboard” message, along with new onboard signage that includes Security’s number for getting help if needed. Keep an eye out for the videos our social media team will roll out over the next few months, too!
Sound Transit will open the parking garage at the future East Link South Bellevue Station in September. On-time construction and close collaboration with the City of Bellevue made it possible for Sound Transit to open the garage to bus riders nearly two years before the scheduled opening of East Link.
ST Express route 550 riders and King County Metro riders who had to use alternative parking spaces when East Link construction began in 2017 will be able to return to the new garage at the same park-and-ride location. We will announce bus stop and schedule information later this year as part of the September 2021 service change.
Since breaking ground in November 2018, the Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension has made great progress and looks like a train project! In the last year, crews installed more than 75% of the track, two station platforms and about 200 Link power poles along the route. The contractor also installed new sewer, stormwater and water utilities as well as signals and lighting — all while working safely to protect workers and the public during COVID-19.
For background, the project more than doubles the length of the existing Tacoma Link line with seven new stations from downtown Tacoma to the Stadium District and Hilltop. In 2021, the project will reach key milestones — completion of the expanded operations and maintenance facility this spring, and the arrival of five new light rail vehicles. Crews expect to complete work on utilities, track, station platforms, traction power substations and more. Hilltop Tacoma Link opens for service in 2022. Construction will continue through 2021, followed by testing of the trains and system. We can’t wait for you to hop on the Link next year in Hilltop! Until then, be sure to follow our progress by joining the Hilltop Tacoma Link Facebook group.
To encourage customers to shop at businesses along the Hilltop Tacoma Link route, we’re asking people to be “Loyal to the Local!” The campaign increases awareness of businesses in Hilltop, Stadium and Commerce Street and asks the community to support these businesses during light rail construction, many of which are continuing to keep their doors open despite the pandemic. Because more people are at home during COVID-19, we changed our marketing strategy to reach them through direct mail and social media. We mailed postcards, featured businesses in Facebook ads and videos, and even wrapped a Link train with an eye-catching design for the holiday season! Check out these short videos of the Stadium and Hilltop business districts — and if you’re in the Tacoma area, remember to be Loyal to the Local!
The new Mukilteo ferry terminal opened last month! The new terminal is located across from the Mukilteo Sounder Station, improving transit connections by reducing the amount of time needed to transfer between the ferry and the train.
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