Central Link Light Rail Accessibility

Central Link Light Rail Accessibility

Unlike Sounder trains or ST Express buses, Link train operators are in the train’s cab and unavailable to assist passengers boarding or de-boarding. Link trains feature level boarding. You will board directly from the platform without climbing steps or using a lift or ramp. The small gap between the platform edge and the train floor is narrow enough to safely roll past or step across. Each Link car has four designated wheelchair areas. The Link ride is normally smooth and steady, so there is no need for wheelchair securements. Just roll to the designated area and set the brakes on your mobility device.

Each car has an emergency call button marked in both Braille and raised letters. The buttons are in easy reach of wheelchair riders and are located on the bottom of the flip up seats in the wheelchair area.

Priority seating

Designated seating is available on Central Link for senior citizens or riders with disabilities. If other passengers are using these seats, politely ask them to move.

Link Stations

All Link stations have unique accessibility features not found in other transit facilities.
A tactile braid paver guides riders who are blind or partially sighted from the entrance through the station to the platform boarding area. A larger “knot” in the braid indicates that extra attention must be paid to the immediate environment, such as ticket vending machines, information kiosks, and telephones.

A two-foot wide strip of yellow textured pavers designates the platform edge. All riders must stay behind the textured pavers until the train has completely stopped.
A six-foot-by-six-foot square of ribbed tactile pavers tells you where the train’s doors will open on the platform. Blind riders should always use their other travel skills to verify that the area in front of them is the vehicle entrance.

Each station has an accessible emergency phone or call button that connects directly to the operations center. The stations are monitored by closed circuit television and patrolled by Sound Transit Police.

Travel Instruction

Sound Transit provides travel instruction to seniors and riders with disabilities.  This training is geared toward the individual riders’ needs, how to ride the train, safety around the track and transferring between buses and light rail. For more information, contact the King County Metro Transit Instruction Program contractor at 206-749-4242/ TTY Relay 711.

Service animals

Service animals are permitted on all Sound Transit vehicles. In accordance with Federal Regulations, riders with service animals must have complete control of the animal while on board the vehicle, either through use of a leash or a pet container. If the rider does not maintain control or if the service animal is deemed to be a danger to others, the rider may be asked to leave the vehicle. There is no additional charge for bringing a service animal on a Sound Transit vehicle. 

Fares

Using a Regional Reduced Fare Permit, people with disabilities can ride ST Express and Sounder services at a reduced rate. Metro issued reduced fair monthly and yearly passes and Access passes are valid for full fare on Link.  These passes are not accepted on ST Express buses or Sound commuter trains.

Senior/Disabled Fares*

*requires Regional Reduced Fare Permit
 

Paratransit Service

Paratransit services for Central Link light rail are provided by King County Metro.  To obtain eligibility information contact:

Metro Access Services
206-263-3113
1-866-205-5001. TTY users should only call the statewide relay at 711.

You can also reach Accessible Services by fax at 206-205-6490 or by e-mail at accessible.services@kingcounty.gov

To Schedule paratransit trips call:

206-205-5000. TTY users should only call the statewide relay at 711.
1-866-205-5001 or, for TTY users only, 1-877-749-4286

FindARide. org

Visit FindARide.org for information regarding special needs transportation options covering King, Pierce and Snohomish counties.

Safety

Link light rail trains are electric and quieter than buses, although not as silent as hybrid cars. All trains will sound their horns or bells if needed to warn pedestrians when approaching vehicle or pedestrian crossings. The alerts will give people time to move to a safe location.
Trains have priority at intersections. As a train approaches, lights for all regular traffic and pedestrians will turn red until the train passes through the intersection.

All intersections or pedestrian crossings are controlled by walk signals. You can start crossing when you see the walk sign (white man), but do not start when the orange hand flashes. Pedestrians in the crossing when the solid orange hand is flashing should have enough time to cross the intersection. Despite the wide street, signals are timed so a person walking at a normal pace can cross from curb to curb. The pedestrian refuge area in the middle of the street also provides a safe place for those who need it. 

The pedestrian crossings have accessible signals that indicate when it is safe to cross. The buttons produce both an audible signal and a vibration.

Additional Information

• How to ride Sound Transit services
• Fares and passes
• ST Express regional bus accessibility
• Tacoma Link light rail accessibility
• Sounder commuter rail accessibility