Sound Transit seeks input on 2016 proposed service, fare changes

More bus trips, low-income fares on the table for 2016

Sound Transit is proposing a number of service improvements in 2016 to meet growing demand and deliver voter-approved projects that include 90 more weekday bus trips on its most crowded routes and a new Sounder commuter rail mid-day round trip. 

The new service is in addition to the University Link light rail extension opening in early 2016 with stations on Capitol Hill and the University of Washington. Also, in late 2016, a new 1.6-mile light rail segment opens south from SeaTac/Airport Station to Angle Lake Station that includes 1,050 parking stalls for commuters. 

In addition to the service improvements, Sound Transit is considering offering a low-income adult fare on ST Express buses to align with King County Metro and existing Link light rail fares. Sound Transit would provide the fare discount to riders who pay with special low-income ORCA LIFT cards issued by King County Metro. Other fares could increase by 25 cents. 

Sound Transit is also considering raising fares on Sounder trains by 50 cents for adult and youth riders, and 25 cents for seniors and people with disabilities. Sounder has not had a fare increase since 2007 and the change would help cover operating expenses that have risen since then. To mitigate the impacts of the fare increase on low-income riders, Sound Transit is considering introducing a low-income fare on Sounder.

For more information on the proposed service improvements see:
soundtransit.org/servicechange

For more information on the proposed fare change see:
soundtransit.org/farechange

The public is invited to comment on the new service and fare proposals online, in person or email through Nov. 5. 

Comment on the proposed service changes:

Email or phone
Comment by phone at 1-866-940-4387 or email fastride@soundtransit.org

OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m.
Union Station—Ruth Fisher Boardroom
401 S. Jackson St.
Seattle, WA 98104

PUBLIC HEARING
Thursday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m.  
Union Station—Ruth Fisher Boardroom
401 S. Jackson St.
Seattle, WA 98104

Comment on the proposed fare change:

Email, online survey or phone: 
Take the survey
Comment by phone at 1-866-940-4387 or email to fares@soundtransit.org

PUBLIC HEARING
Thursday, Nov. 5, 12 – 1 p.m.   
Union Station—Ruth Fisher Boardroom
401 S. Jackson St.
Seattle, WA 98104