Project updates
Learn about where and when construction is happening throughout the ST district.
Sounder South Hero image riders exiting the train
Sounder South Capacity Expansion

Draft plan for expanding Sounder South capacity released

Publish Date

Last fall we shared with you options for expanding capacity on Sounder South to serve growing demand over the coming years. We’ve incorporated your feedback along with results of technical analysis to develop a draft Strategic Development and Implementation Plan, which is now available for public review. Visit the online open house from Jan. 23rd to Feb. 6th to learn more and share your feedback. 

Background
To help meet growing demand, voters approved the Sounder South Capacity Expansion program in 2016. As part of this program, Sound Transit will expand capacity so more people can ride Sounder between Lakewood and Seattle. Improvements may include:

  • Longer trains and platforms (to carry up to 40% more people). 
  • Additional daily trips (contingent on negotiations with BNSF).
  • Station improvements to accommodate longer trains and more riders. 

Visitors to the fall online open house and drop-in sessions were asked for feedback about their priorities for expanding Sounder South capacity. Read details about what we heard in the outreach summary. We also heard questions from many of you on topics including reliability, amenities on trains, service frequency and parking. For responses to these topics, please view our Frequently Asked Questions.

Next Steps
After we finalize the plan (expected in spring 2020), we’ll get to work on the individual elements. For each improvement, we’ll conduct project-level planning and environmental review with partners, stakeholders, tribes and host jurisdictions to measure and mitigate potential impacts. We’ll initiate the improvements on a rolling basis starting later this year.