To handle more riders as the city reopens after months of COVID-19 restrictions and as the system gears up for October’s Northgate expansion, Sound Transit is increasing the frequency of light rail service, providing more frequent rides to and from Capitol Hill Station and beyond. The result of responding to increased demand? Probably even more demand.
“The days are longer, the weather is warmer, the virus is retreating, and we are all venturing out more and more. In the coming months as more and more people return to normal routines, expanded Link service will help riders get back to enjoying fast and congestion-free trips,” Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff said in the announcement of the restored service. “With traffic congestion worsening and already at pre-pandemic levels, the benefits of Link will only keep growing, especially with our Oct. 2 expansion of service northward to the U District, Roosevelt and Northgate.”
The restored service begins Saturday with light rail trains running every eight minutes during peak hours and every ten minutes during midday and weekends. Late evening service will run every 15 minutes.
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Facing operator and worker shortages due to the COVID-19 crisis, Sound Transit had backed off service to every 12 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes during off-peak hours, with frequency every 30 minutes late evenings.
Ridership also tanked during the pandemic with passengers down around 80% at Broadway’s Capitol Hill Station.
Under federal guidelines for all public transit services, riders must still wear face coverings in Sound Transit stations and on the trains.
The increase in service joins another big improvement as Sound Transit plans for riders to return and prepares for the opening of its northern expansion later this year. CHS reported here on the new and improved “Series 2” trains designed to be more accessible, with larger windows, more bag and storage space, and have more room for bikes .
Sound Transit has announced October 2nd for the start of service on its Northgate Link light rail expansion that will open up the great northlands of Seattle including the University District, Roosevelt, and Northgate to riders from Capitol Hill Station and beyond. The opening will mean Capitol Hill rider visiting Brooklyn in only a-few-minutes ride.
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