Sound Transit to participate in emergency response training drill

Sound Transit and local emergency responders will be conducting emergency training exercises Tues., Sept. 24 through Thurs., Sept. 26 at the Auburn Rail Yard. The simulations are designed to train Sound Transit staff and emergency responders for possible crisis situations, which will help create a safer environment for those who ride Sound Transit's Sounder commuter rail and ST Express bus services.

This training exercise will consist of a Sounder commuter train with a simulated hostage situation. As part of the drill, law enforcement personnel will enter the train and render it safe. Fire and medical personnel will then enter the train and treat the injured patients. This drill is designed to enhance rider safety and the effectiveness and efficiency of emergency responders in a hostile environment.

The drill is part of Sound Transit's ongoing passenger emergency preparedness planning and is required by the Federal Railroad Administration. Exercises have been conducted several times in the past two years, and through them BNSF train crews, dispatchers, on-board Wakenhut security and Sound Transit personnel have been trained in emergency response. Additionally, Sound Transit and the BNSF have provided training for 265 firefighters/EMS and 165 police from 21 departments.

NOTE: This is a DRILL - Sounder commuter rail service will operate normally on the days training exercises are conducted.

Who: Sound Transit, the Auburn Fire and Police Departments, and other regional emergency responders

What: Training DRILL for Sound Transit and emergency responders

When: Tuesday, Sept. 24 - Thursday, Sept. 26
9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: Auburn Rail Yard
1900 "A" Street S.E., Auburn

Auburn Police Department
Cheryl Price (PIO)
(253) 931-3080

Auburn Fire Dept.
Battalion Chief Dan Bosch
(253) 931-3060

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