Tacoma Link Light Rail Train Specifications

Tacoma Link began service in August 2003, connecting downtown Tacoma with commuter train and bus services at the Tacoma Dome Station. The trains run on a 1.6-mile route every 10 minutes Monday – Saturday and every 10-20 minutes on Sundays. Passengers ride free on the electric-powered trains, which travel at street level and stop at five stations along the route: Tacoma Dome Station, S 25th Street, Union Station/ S 19th, Convention Center/ S15th, Theater District/ S 9th. 

Quick information about the Tacoma Link light rail fleet

Additional information:

• Manufacture and assembly of the vehicles
• First vehicle delivered
• Modifications, once delivered
• Testing of the vehicles
• How these vehicles work
• Overall benefits of the vehicles
• How the vehicles fit with Sound Transit’s fleet
• Other features
• Location of Maintenance Base

Manufacture and assembly of the vehicles
Skoda Dopravni Technika manufactured the vehicles in the Czech Republic.  Sound Transit’s three Tacoma Link vehicles “piggybacked” onto an order that Portland’s TriMet was making for its successful streetcar system.

First vehicles delivered
September, 2002.

Modifications, once delivered

• A/C modifications: Installed new updated software and redesigned duct system to achieve greater cooling capacity for our passengers.
• Automatic passenger counting system: Allows ST to collect accurate data used for scheduling, ridership, and train position.
• Strobe, LED and Cyclops lighting: Maximized visibility for safety and reduced bulb replacement costs.
• Wheel flange lube sticks: Reduced wheel/track wear and decreases noise associated with rail operation.
• Air horn: Added for safety to differentiate from standard automobile horns.
• CCTV: Allows operators to view passenger compartment at all times
• Passenger displays: Changed to ADA compliant color for easy viewing.
• Bridge Plates: Blasted surface for improved traction and changed software to keep current with ADA standards.
• Train black box upgrade: Records vehicle parameters for added safety.
• Batteries: Changed to a gel type to eliminate hazardous materials.

Testing of the vehicles
Each Tacoma Link vehicle was tested for 500 miles and two months before beginning service.

How these vehicles work
Light rail is operated by electricity via overhead catenary wires. Light rail is essentially an electric railway system, and Tacoma Link vehicles operate using overhead electrical wires that are 750 volts D.C.

Each electric-powered Tacoma Link light rail train operates as a single car, with driving cabs at both ends so trains can change direction without turning around.  Because Link shares the road with other vehicles, when a light rail vehicle approaches an intersection sensors in the track turn conflicting traffic signals red. After the train crosses, the traffic signals resume normal operation. Tacoma Link vehicles travel at the 25 mph posted speed limits for automobiles.

Overall benefits of the vehicles
Tacoma Link vehicles are quiet and energy-efficient. They connect Tacoma’s business and cultural centers with the major transit hub in downtown Tacoma.  Tacoma Link easily connects to Sounder commuter trains, as well as ST Express and Pierce Transit buses.

Each double-articulated, electrically powered car, with doors on both sides, has a “bridgeplate” that slides out to help passengers with wheelchairs during boarding.

How the vehicles fit in with Sound Transit’s fleet
Tacoma Link is an urban streetcar that easily connects Downtown Tacoma to Sounder commuter rail, ST Express buses, Pierce Transit buses and Amtrak.  It is a unique vehicle for a unique line, providing service in a dense urban environment.

Other features

• Air conditioning
• Cloth seats
• Wheelchair access
• Powered by overhead electrical wires-750 volts D.C.
• Low-floor design
• Wheelchair accessible
• Bicycle space
• Driving cabs at both ends
• Dual braking systems
• Cars bright and well-lit

Location of Maintenance Base
North of the Tacoma Dome Station.