Train testing in the Rainier Valley begins Summer 2008 -- Light rail service begins 2009
Please keep yourself and your community safe by following a few basic rules as we begin train testing for Link light rail.
Construction is well underway on Sound Transit’s Link light rail line from Downtown Seattle to Sea-Tac Airport. The testing of light rail trains has begun in the SODO area south of Downtown Seattle, and will soon begin in the Rainier Valley.
Light rail trains are fast, frequent and quiet
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Light rail trains run often on any track, in any direction, at any time.
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Trains move faster than they appear.
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Trains can’t stop as quickly as a car.
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Trains don’t have steering wheels, they can’t swerve out of your way.
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Trains are very quiet.
Look, Listen & Live
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Always be aware around trains – it’s difficult to judge their distance and speed.
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Always look both ways, trains may be coming from any direction on either track.
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Always listen for train whistles and bells.
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Always use crosswalks and obey all traffic signs, signals and crossing gates.
Tracks are for trains
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Never walk, bike, skateboard, jog or play around tracks.
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Never cross tracks in mid-block.
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Never stand too close to the tracks. Trains can overhang the tracks by three feet on each side.
Always use crosswalks and obey all traffic signs, signals and crossing gates
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Trains always have the right-of-way.
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Never walk around or under rail crossing gates.
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Bicycles and motorcycles should cross tracks at a 90 degree angle to prevent tires from catching.
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Safety islands between tracks are available for pedestrians at intersection crossings.
Motorists
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Obey all traffic signs and signals.
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Make left turns only on green signal arrow.
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Never stop on tracks in the intersection.
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Stay behind all rail crossing gates.
Stay Safe & Sound
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Never touch the train’s overhead electrical lines.
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Never throw items or fly kites near overhead electric lines.
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Never touch a downed electrical line.
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Never put anything on train tracks — items run over by trains can shoot out with deadly force.
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Never throw anything at trains – items can injure passengers and bounce back and hit someone.
Link light rail trains move faster than they appear and cannot stop as quickly as a car
If a light rail train is a long way off or standing still, why can’t I cross at mid-block or other unmarked area?
From a distance, a train moving toward you will appear to be moving much slower than it really is and a slow moving train may actually appear to be stopped. Also, it takes a train a lot longer to stop than a car and it cannot swerve out of the way. The only safe place to cross is at designated crossings.
Why are light rail trains so quiet?
Light rail trains run on electrical power drawn from overhead electrical lines. They are much quieter than the diesel locomotive engines that power commuter rail and freight trains.
