U.S. vs. Australia drew 280,000 riders on Link Light rail

Link light rail drew approximately 280,000 riders on Friday, June 19, far exceeding the previous high-water mark of 220,000 set earlier this year during the Seahawks Superbowl parade. Light rail operated at peak service from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, bringing soccer fans from across the region for a noon kickoff between the United States and Australia, supporting afternoon celebrations after a 2-0 American victory, and then delivering a sold-out Mariners crowd to and from T-Mobile Park.  

 

“Friday was a momentous day for Sound Transit, with the highest ridership in our agency history,” said CEO Dow Constantine. “We operated at peak service well into the evening on a day our region proudly hosted both a World Cup match and a highly attended Mariners game. As our region welcomed fans from around the world, we helped ensure they got to and from games safely. I’m grateful to all our employees and partners who made this record-setting day possible.”

 

"Friday's record ridership shows what is possible when we invest in fast, reliable transportation options that connect people and communities," said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. "As fans traveled from across our region to take in a World Cup match, Sound Transit helped bring our communities together and highlighted the strength of our transportation network. Thank you to Sound Transit staff and our regional partners for their support as we reach this milestone."

 

“Our region needs reliable transportation, always, and this global event is showcasing just how beneficial transit can be,” said Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello. “As thousands of people choose transit to attend World Cup matches or a Mariners game, Sound Transit is getting them where they need to go easily, safely and predictably. These record numbers show how vital transit is to connecting our communities and connecting us to meaningful experiences.”

 

“Hosting the World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and King County has risen to the occasion, with Sound Transit demonstrating the vital role transit plays in our communities,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. “It has been a joy seeing visitors experience everything our region has to offer. I’m grateful to our transit agencies and employees who have helped keep the region moving safely and reliably.”

  

“As a huge soccer fan, it has been so exciting to see fans from all over the world come to Seattle and experience our city,” said Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson. “The energy across our region has been incredible, and you can feel it as people move through the city and gather for matches. Days like last Friday show just what is possible with great public transit.”

 

With multiple days during the World Cup tournament thus far exceeding 200,000 plus boardings and the potential of Team USA in a Seattle knockout round match on July 6, preparations for sustained high demand on light rail continue. Passengers are reminded to come early, stay late, and use the preferred stations: Pioneer Square for passengers from the north, Stadium from the south, and International District for passengers from the East and those with accessibility concerns.

 

Methodology explanation: Ridership estimates are based on a rapid-turnaround review of available Automatic Passenger Counter (APC) data and should be considered an early directional estimate. Because APC data continues to be received and validated after the operating day, the estimates are derived from a partial reporting sample and extrapolated to the full fleet. The most recent service periods currently have the lowest reporting rates, meaning the estimates may increase or decrease as additional vehicle data is processed and validated.

 

Sound Transit World Cup photos and b-roll available here. Photo credit, Sound Transit.