Free Seattle-Everett Sounder service to continue through January

Through the end of January, Sound Transit will continue to offer free promotional Sounder commuter rail service to commuters between Snohomish County and Seattle.

"By extending our free, introductory service period beyond the holidays we'll increase the number of community members who trade congested roads for one of the most scenic commutes in the nation," said Sounder Commuter Rail Director Martin Minkoff.

"Our new Seattle-Everett service has been enthusiastically received. Riders tell us how much they like the service and how eager they are for more," Minkoff said. "Extending our free-ride promotional period will build on that positive support."

Sound Transit kicked off Seattle-Everett Sounder service on Sunday, Dec. 21 with a special Seattle Seahawks train that ran filled to capacity. Regular weekday service, providing service to stations in Everett, Edmonds and Seattle, began on Monday, Dec. 23. Following the completion of necessary track, signal and station improvements, service will eventually increase from the current one round trip each weekday to four in 2007 and will include stops in Mukilteo.

The popularity of Sounder service between Seattle and Tacoma has grown steadily since its launch in September 2000, with approximately 15,000 boardings per week. Currently, service includes three round trips each weekday between Tacoma and Seattle with stops in Puyallup, Sumner, Auburn, Kent and Tukwila. Sounder exceeded its 2003 ridership target, achieving over 750,000 passenger boardings, and last month served its two-millionth rider. Service will eventually include nine round trips each weekday following the completion of track and signal improvements.

Seattle-Everett revenue service is scheduled to begin on Monday, February 2, with one-way fares of $3 for adults, $2.25 for youths 6 through 18 and $1.50 for senior citizens 65+ and disabled persons.

Seattle-Everett Sounder schedule

Depart Everett 6:55 a.m.
Depart Edmonds 7:21 a.m.
Arrive King Street 7:54 a.m.

Depart King Street 5:15 p.m.
Depart Edmonds 5:42 p.m.
Arrive Everett 6:14 p.m.

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