Sound Transit observes "Sounder" and "ST Express" anniversaries

Sound Transit will quietly observe the first anniversary of its popular Sounder commuter rail service September 18th and the second anniversary of its highly successful ST Express bus service September 19th.

"Given the tragic events of this past week, we thought any overt celebration would be inappropriate," said Sound Transit Executive Director Joni Earl.

"While we are extremely proud of our services---and would like to thank our riders for their patronage---we think it is a time for quiet reflection rather than celebration," added Earl.

In its first year of operation, and running two round-trips Monday-Friday between Tacoma and Seattle, Sounder's ridership has grown steadily from a little over 5,000 per week to more than 12,000 per week. Special trains have been added for Seattle Mariner Sunday home games and on three Saturdays during the Puyallup Fair.

Since its inception in September, 1999 ST Express has been adding routes and steadily increasing ridership. Three new routes will be added at the end of this month, two in East King County and one in Pierce County. In the first half of 2001 total ridership increased more than 42 percent over the same period last year, from 1.9-million to 2.8-million.

"There will be ample opportunity later this year to highlight Sound Transit's accomplishments and contributions to the region's transportation system," said Executive Director Earl:

• Rider appreciation festivities
• Reopening of Union Station's Great Hall (following earthquake repair)
• Groundbreaking for the renovation of the Bellevue Transit Center
• Ribbon Cutting for Everett's Pacific Avenue Overpass
• Construction of Tacoma Link light rail
• Open houses for various Sound Transit capital projects throughout the region.

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Sound Transit plans, builds and operates regional transit systems and services to improve mobility for Central Puget Sound.