Preparing for winter weather and other emergencies

 

If we have a severe winter storm, it's likely there will be bus and train disruptions. Service also can be interrupted by mudslides, accidents or other events.

Be prepared: take a few minutes to learn about the travel alternatives that will meet your needs, and review our tips for commuting in extreme weather.

Before the storm

Know before you go: Review your options ahead of time. Check bus and train schedules or use the Trip Planner.

Sign up for alerts: Find out about cancellations for your route by signing up for text messages or email alerts.

Have a backup plan.

During or after the storm

Get the information you need:

• Check our rider alerts page for information about your bus or train before you leave
• Watch the news or listen to the radio for updates
• Call 1-888-889-6368 for Service Alerts
• Visit the Regional Public Information Network (RPIN) for transportation alerts

Give yourself plenty of time to get to the station or transit center

Use caution when walking on wet or icy station platforms. Dress warmly, wear sensible shoes and be prepared for delays. Traffic conditions affect buses, and chained buses travel much slower. Buses are unlikely to stay on schedule. So please bundle up and be patient.

Sound Transit service in winter weather

Riding ST Express

Buses will follow normal routes as long as the streets are safe for travel. Some buses may be put on snow routes and others may be canceled. Snow routes may change depending on road conditions.

Be aware of at-risk bus stops:

• In severe snow and ice, buses will often avoid hills or other safety hazards.
• If there's no traffic going by your bus stop, walk to a stop on a busy street.
• If your bus stop is in the middle of a hill, walk to the bottom where the operator can safely stop.
• Stand back from the curb until the bus comes to a complete stop. Buses can slide sideways in slippery conditions.
• Keep in mind your bus may not pull all the way over to the curb, to avoid getting stuck.

Stay informed

• Subscribe to rider alerts for your route.
• For recorded rider alerts, call 1-888-889-6368. Press 1 to select rider alert, then press 1 for up-to-date ST Express service information.
• Transit tracking tools like OneBusAway may not be accurate during a major snow disruption, as stops may be missed.

Riding Sounder trains

Sounder trains will operate regular commuter service during cold and icy weather. Some emergencies, such as mudslides, can cause service to be cancelled. Plan ahead, and be aware of your alternatives in case your train is cancelled. You can use the trip planner to find options.

If a train is cancelled or delayed, you may be outdoors longer than expected. To be safe, please dress warmly and be prepared to wait. Use caution when walking on wet or icy station platforms.

Stay informed

• Subscribe to rider alerts for Sounder service.
• For recorded rider alerts, call 1-888-889-6368. Press 1 to select rider alert, then press 2 for up-to-date Sounder service information.

Riding Link light rail

Link trains will operate regular commuter service during cold and icy weather. Some emergencies can cause service to be cancelled. Plan ahead, and be aware of your alternatives in case your train is cancelled. You can use the trip planner to find options.

If a train is cancelled or delayed, you may be outdoors longer than expected. To be safe, please dress warmly and be prepared to wait. Use caution when walking on wet or icy station platforms.

Stay informed

• Subscribe to rider alerts for Central Link or Tacoma Link service.
• For recorded rider alerts, call 1-888-889-6368. Press 1 to select rider alert, then press 3 for up-to-date Central Link or Tacoma Link service information.

Flooding emergencies

The possibility of flooding in the Green River Valley due to heavy rains and the condition of the Howard Hanson Dam could affect Sound Transit Express Route 566, Sounder commuter rail and Central Link light rail service. Be prepared and know your transit alternatives in advance of service cancellations or significant delays. Sign up for Rider Alerts for your bus or train.

More information about preparing for flooding available online from King County.