We believe that transit should be accessible to everyone, which is why we offer a wide range of services to make riding easier.
Fully accessible for all
All buses and trains display visual and auditory announcements about upcoming stops and stations.
Operators and conductors are trained to offer assistance to get on and off vehicles upon request.
There is designated priority seating for riders with disabilities and seniors on all vehicles, and operators will ask riders to make one of seats available upon request. Riders may also make this request of other riders if they prefer. No one can be required to vacate priority seating because that person may have a disability that is not readily visible but necessitates a need for a seat.
Stations and transit centers use detectable warning strips, raised domes that can be easily detected visually, and with a cane or under foot, to indicate a two-foot buffer zone between the pedestrian area and the roadway for moving traffic. Passengers should stay on the pedestrian side of this strip until the bus or train comes to a complete stop and the doors open.
Train stations with platforms above or below street level are equipped with stairs and elevators, and many also have escalators. General station layout, including elevator locations, can be found on the station web pages for each Link light rail and Sounder station.
Signage features large, easy-to-read fonts and enough contrast that even passengers with low vision can see and read. Braille is available on signs that indicate bus bays.
Ticket machines feature information in large print and braille, and text-to-speech audio is accessible via headphones.
Card readers, whether on the bus or at transit centers, provide a visual notice and emit a solid beep to indicate successful scanning of the ORCA card and fare deduction or a series of beeps if the ORCA card was not scanned due to inaccurate placement at the reader or insufficient funds on the card to cover the fare. Riders can add value to their ORCA card at ticket vending machines or via myORCA.com.
Regional Reduced Fare Permits are available for individuals 65 or older and those with disabilities. For more information, visit the Regional Reduced Fare Permit page.
All ST parking facilities offer accessible parking spaces and accessible routes of travel from parking spaces to the transit stop or station.
All ST Express buses are equipped with ramps or lifts. Riders can always ask the driver to deploy the ramp or lift for ease of boarding, even if they do not use a mobility device. All lifts are equipped with handrails for safety.
Drivers can lower any ST bus to bring the step closer to the curb for easier entry at the front door. Just ask!
All buses feature two locations where passengers who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices can secure themselves for a safe and comfortable ride. Shoulder and lap belts are available if needed.
All buses have onboard stop announcements and signage announcing the route number and destination. Riders may always ask operators for additional information, including when they have reached their intended stop.
Handrails and straps are available throughout to assist with standing, sitting and balance.
Link light rail trains feature level boarding at all stations, allowing passengers who use wheelchairs or other devices to simply roll aboard.
All light rail vehicles feature two spaces for riders who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
Handrails are available throughout all rail cars to assist with sitting, standing and balance.
An intercom button for communicating with the train operator is located near the accessible seating in each rail car. Just press the button and speak. This is useful if you need more time to get off the train.
At Link light rail stations, tactile waiting mats indicate where train doors will open and passengers can safely board, and at most stations bollards prevent passengers from inadvertently stepping into the empty space between cars.
All Sounder platforms have a single high platform ramp marked with the accessibility symbol to facilitate easy boarding. Conductors provide a boarding ramp to safely board from the platform into the rail car.
Sounder trains feature restrooms designed to be accessible to most riders using wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Restrooms may not be accessible for some riders using large wheelchairs.
Sounder stations have staff who can assist passengers with disabilities. Station agents are available at all stations in the morning and at select stations in the afternoon.
Conductors on all trains can assist passengers with disabilities.
Tactile welcome mats on the platform encourage queuing in specific locations. Train doors will open near these mats, though it may be necessary to adjust to the right or left to board safely.
T Line trains have an accessible ramp, deployed by pressing the button featuring the round accessibility symbol near the ramp door. The buttons are near the ramps, on the outside and inside of the streetcar.
If you need assistance boarding the train, notify the train operator. You can also signal to the operator a need for assistance by moving toward the ramp door.
Note that before deploying the ramp, the accessible ramp doors will close. For safety reasons, do not use the ramp door while the access ramp is deploying or stowing. Once the ramp is ready for boarding, the doors will reopen.
Are you planning to travel to and from the Sea-Tac Airport using Link light rail? These services will help to make the trip more accessible.
If you need assistance traveling between SeaTac/Airport Station (Link light rail) and the terminal, call Prospect Airport Services at 206-246-1550 in advance to arrange for complementary wheelchair assistance. The service operates daily from 4 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Additionally, the airport offers electric shuttle service for all passengers between the light rail station and airport sky bridge (north end of garage), with baggage storage available on the back of the cart. The service operates continuously between 5 a.m. and midnight.
If you need assistance from the ticket counter to the gate or from the gate to baggage claim, contact your airline to request help.