Overview
At Sound Transit, we continuously evaluate our service and every year we propose changes to improve passenger experience and make the most of our available resources. The Service Plan typically outlines proposed changes to ST Express, Sounder and Link in response to changes in ridership, operating conditions, and new high-capacity transit project openings.
South Subarea highlights
Workforce challenges and service reductions
Sound Transit is currently facing industry-wide workforce challenges related to the pandemic, resulting in service reductions for our operating partner Pierce Transit. Due to Pierce Transit’s staffing outlook, the Sound Transit Board authorized service reductions on specific routes in the South Corridor implemented in March 2024. These reductions impact the following routes operated by Pierce Transit in Pierce County and South King:
- Route 590: Suspension of downtown Tacoma segment between 10th Ave & Commerce St and Tacoma Dome Station.
- Route 580: Suspension of service.
- Route 590: Reduction of approximately half of weekday trips.
- Routes 577, 578, and 594: Select trip reductions.
Potential service restoration
Sound Transit is committed to equitable restoration of ST Express service once staffing levels allow. In Summer 2024, Sound Transit will collaborate with its operating partners to determine if we can restore these recent reductions, subject to current operating constraints and staffing levels. We are seeking public input about service restoration priorities. However, if restoration is unachievable, Sound Transit will request Board authorization for continued service reductions.
We want to hear from you
From August 5 to 26, 2024, the ST Express Survey will seek rider feedback for the 2025 Service Plan. Riders will be asked to indicate their preference for restored route coverage or route frequency and comment on how potential service restoration affects their ability to ride ST Express. We welcome rider suggestions for future Service Plans.
This feedback will help define service restoration priorities. The 2025 Service Plan will incorporate ST Express riders’ feedback to reflect the services and frequency levels requested. Later this fall, Service Planning will present the 2025 Service Plan to the Sound Transit Board of Directors for adoption.
East Subarea highlights
2 Line Service to Downtown Redmond
In Spring 2025, light rail service on the 2 Line will begin, featuring two new stations at Marymoor Village and Downtown Redmond. Trains will operate between Downtown Redmond and South Bellevue at 10-minute intervals using 2-car trains. This service will be available seven days a week, from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Eastside ST Express Service
There will be no service changes for Eastside ST Express Service coinciding with the extension of light rail service to Downtown Redmond. Current ST Express routes maintain cross-lake connections between the 1 Line and 2 Line. We are analyzing how ST Express can leverage the new Link system and when to implement more connections to Link.
2 Line Completion Timeline
Originally planned for late 2024, the 2 Line project has been delayed due to unforeseen construction quality issues. By late 2025, the final segment along I-90 between South Bellevue Station and International District/Chinatown could be open. Once completed, 2 Line trains will travel from Downtown Redmond to Lynnwood City Center.
If you have any comments or feedback concerning the 2 Line or the Downtown Redmond Link Extension, email your comments to servicechanges@soundtransit.org.