New Sounder cars start service today

Sound Transit is rolling out new Sounder coach cars into service beginning today. The cars are part of an 11-car order approved by the Sound Transit Board in 2020 totaling three passenger cab cars and eight coaches. All the cars were manufactured by Alstom under a $46.5 million contract and come into service in anticipation of summer crowds for soccer and baseball.

Riders will begin seeing the new cars Monday, June 1 on the S Line beginning with five coach cars being part of Train 1507, departing King Street Station at 2:25 p.m. The new coach cars will return to Seattle from Lakewood as Train 1520, departing at 3:52 p.m.

The new cars have USB and power outlets at every seat, more theater-style seating, additional leg room for some seats and a new bike rack design versus the current fleet.

Additionally, all the cars being purchased include the latest safety design features known as Crash Energy Management (CEM), a technology designed to absorb energy in the event of a collision. The main elements include an “energy absorption zone” at each end of the car and couplers that can absorb energy between cars. Cab cars also feature a full-width windshield for enhanced operator sightlines.

“Safety and the passenger experience are part of Sound Transit’s DNA. These new cars embody both values, and we are pleased to bring them into service,” said Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine. “From creature comforts to improved visibility and performance, the new cars represent a real upgrade for our Sounder riders.”

Sound Transit partnered with two other transit agencies to purchase the new cars, California’s San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission and the North County Transit District, to reduce the unit price for each rail car with a larger order.

All the new cars in service have completed inspections, systems testing and commissioning. Photos of the new cars can be found here.

Sound Transit's Sounder S Line train service gives Pierce County and South King County residents a dependable, traffic-free commute to and from Seattle during the week and for select special events on weekends. The Sounder N Line provides the same from Everett to Seattle with stops in Mukilteo and Edmonds.

*The original contract was awarded to Bombardier, which was acquired by Alstom in 2021.