Rider sweepstakes kicks off Tacoma Link ten-year anniversary

Chance to win Tacoma Getaway package for two that includes an overnight stay at Hotel Murano

Sound Transit will kick off the ten-year anniversary of the start of service for Tacoma Link with an enter-to-win contest that begins this Thursday. 

Service on the 1.6-mile light rail line from the Tacoma Dome Station to the Theatre District began Aug. 22, 2003. 

"Sound Transit is proud of the ten years of service Tacoma Link has provided to downtown and Dome District residents and businesses," said Pat McCarthy, Chair of the Sound Transit Board of Directors and Pierce County Executive. "Since Tacoma Link began operation, more than nine million riders have used the service. Light rail is a well-used and needed transit service that will continue to grow in popularity as work moves forward to expand its reach."

"Since service started in 2003, Tacoma Link has become an integral part of our transportation system and community fabric," said Sound Transit Boardmember and Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland. "On an average work day, 3,600 people ride Tacoma Link to numerous destinations along the six-station route. The City of Tacoma is pleased to be working with Sound Transit to bring this transit service to more citizens as planning efforts to expand this service to more residents and visitors."

The sweepstakes, which runs from Aug. 8 through Aug. 31, asks riders to name their favorite destination along the Tacoma Link line. Riders can check in and share their favorite destination on Facebook using the #TLink10 hashtag. Participants can enter to win by going to the Sound Transit Facebook page, clicking on the entry form tab, and completing the form by Aug. 31. Participants must submit the entry form to be eligible to win. One entry per person is allowed.

Contestants can also complete and mail in a postcard to enter. Postcards are available at Freighthouse Square, the Tacoma Visitor Information Center, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce Downtown on the Go office, and other locations. A complete list of where to pick up and drop off postcards is available at soundtransit.org/Tlink10. Postcards must be submitted or postmarked by August 31. 

Contestants can also enter to win in person by visiting the Sound Transit booth at the Tacoma Broadway Farmers Market on Aug. 8 and Aug. 22 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. 
Winners will be selected on by random drawing on Sept. 25. The grand prize winner will receive a Tacoma Getaway package that includes an overnight stay at the Hotel Murano with parking and breakfast for two, a Savi Day Spa couple's pedicure package, a salon treatment for two at Salon Miro, and two $20.00 gift cards at TWOKOI Japanese Cuisine. All grand prizes have been donated by participating businesses.

Ten additional participants will win an ORCA card preloaded with $25.00 in fare value. Entrants must be 18 or older, a resident of Washington state, and cannot be a Sound Transit employee or a member of the employee's immediate family. 

Celebration activities on Aug. 22 include commemorative give-aways at all Tacoma Link stations and the Farmers Market, and a special train appearance by Zap Gridlock, Sound Transit's traffic-fighting superhero, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Winners need not be present at the random drawing to win. Winners will be notified by phone or email. More information on the sweepstakes is available at soundtransit.org/Tlink10.