Sound Transit's traffic-fighting superhero "Zap Gridlock" to teach train safety to Auburn third-graders on Wed., Sept. 13

With Sounder commuter rail service beginning on Sept. 18, making sure children know how to
be safe is the mission of Zap Gridlock, Sound Transit's new superhero mascot. On Wed. Sept. 13 from 1 - 2 p.m., Zap Gridlock will be part of an Operation Lifesaver presentation, bringing his super safety tips to a third grade class at Ilalko Elementary School, 301 Oraventz Pl. SE in Auburn.

The Auburn class will be the first of Zap Gridlock's several planned public safety appearances to schools along the Tacoma to Seattle Sounder route. Already this summer, Zap has appeared in several parades and community events, and the crowd-pleasing colorful character has proven to be a fun and friendly way to inform children and their parents about Sound Transit's mission to help reduce traffic congestion and to learn about traffic safety.

Sounder service begins on Sept. 18 between Tacoma and Seattle, marking the first regular rail transit service in Puget Sound in more than 60 years. Two round trips will serve Tacoma, Sumner, Auburn and Seattle, with service to Kent in November, Puyallup in February and Tukwila in September.

The two-level Sounder passenger cars feature comfortable seats, restrooms, cupholders, water fountains, work tables, protected outlets for laptop computers and storage areas for bicycles, wheelchairs and strollers. The service is planned to expand in 2001/2002 south to Lakewood and north to Everett.

Sounder commuter rail is one part of Sound Move, the voter-approved plan to bring Link light rail and ST Express bus service to King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. For more information on Sounder's special Mariners game service, please call Sound Transit at 1-800-201-4900 or check the Sound Transit Web site at www.sounder.org/meetevnt/mariners.htm

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