Project updates
Learn about where and when construction is happening throughout the ST district.
Sounder South Capacity Expansion web photo
Sounder South Capacity Expansion

Update on Sounder South Capacity Expansion

Publish Date

In early 2019, Sound Transit began planning for the voter-approved Sounder South Capacity Expansion program, to meet growing demand on Sounder and improve the rider experience. In early 2020, we finalized the Strategic Development and Implementation Plan, which includes a program for longer trains, more weekday trips, and other improvements to be rolled out over time.

Program elements include purchasing new rail cars, extending platforms, negotiating with BNSF for additional trips, and improving platform accessibility at King Street Station. 

The original timelines for these program elements may change, as the COVID-19 recession has greatly reduced the revenues Sound Transit relies on to expand our regional transit system, while real estate and construction costs in our area continue to surge. Without alternative revenue sources, Sound Transit will not be able to deliver many voter-approved projects on their original timelines. Through a process called realignment, the Sound Transit Board of Directors is working to determine how plans and schedules for many projects will need to change to address these financial pressures. Learn more.
 

South Tacoma and Lakewood Stations Access Improvements projects launched

Sound Transit is seeking public input on how we can improve the experience of getting to and from Sounder trains at South Tacoma and Lakewood Stations. Access improvements can mean investments in safer walking, rolling and bicycling connections between stations and their surrounding neighborhoods; better pickup and drop-off areas; additional station lighting and weather shelters; and parking options.

An online open house is available through April 20 at https://soundersouth.participate.online in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean and Tagalog. 

We’re currently in the early planning phase for both South Tacoma and Lakewood. 

Public input will help us identify potential improvements, which will then be evaluated and shared with the public later this year. Future phases of the project are subject to direction from the Sound Transit Board and the realignment process, as described above.

Puyallup garage construction pictures 

Construction recently ramped up on the new 500-space parking garage at Puyallup Station – with crews starting work on the foundation, structure and pedestrian bridge. 

This long-awaited project will help more Pierce County residents conveniently access Sounder trains and enjoy a traffic-free commute. It also includes new surface parking with approximately 165 spaces, along with sidewalk and bicycle enhancements.

Photo of workers building next to rebar cages at a construction site, Sounder South Capacity Expansion
Garage 1st level column rebar cages

To see more pictures of construction, visit our story on the Platform blog. 

New Sounder discount fares 

In March Sound Transit implemented lower Sounder fares for ORCA LIFT (low-income adult) passengers, youth (ages 6-18) and Regional Reduced Fare Permit holders (seniors age 65+ and riders with disabilities). 

This reduction makes Sounder more accessible, and brings Sounder fares in line with Link light rail and ST Express bus fares for these passenger groups.

New fares: