Safety is Sound Transit’s first priority, especially as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mask wearing, hand washing and social distancing when possible will be critical as we work to keep each other safe.
To help passengers spread out on Link trains, Sound Transit has launched an online tool that will allow the public to access ridership data and better plan their commutes.
By selecting the direction (north or southbound) and time of day, passengers can see how crowded trains are and how close they are to meeting the social distancing threshold.
The data is not real-time, but is collected using our Automated Passenger Counters (APCs) on Link train doors. That information is downloaded once the train gets back to its base, and processed by our Passenger Experience group.
Other data sets could be coming soon if passengers find this tool useful, including Sounder ridership and face mask compliance. Data for ST Express buses is more difficult to process because Sound Transit contracts with three separate agencies for the service.
Ridership has dropped significantly on Sound Transit services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we are committed to making sure those who do continue riding feel safe and secure.