Sound Transit temporarily reduces light rail peak-hour service

As a result of rail operator staffing shortages, Sound Transit has temporarily reduced peak hour service on Link light rail.

Sound Transit began the reduction on Monday, Dec. 7. Trains will run every 12 minutes during peak hours on weekdays rather than every seven to eight minutes. Service during other periods currently remains unchanged.

Sound Transit was recently informed by King County Metro, which operates and maintains Link service under contract, that numerous factors relating to the COVID-19 pandemic are triggering a shortage of operators to operate the service at current frequencies, according to a Dec. 4 email. Operator shortages were also a challenge when COVID-19 rates spiked back in March.

ST Express and Sounder service is not affected at this time.

Riders should take into account that electronic resources such as Google maps, One Bus Away and other applications and websites may not have accurate information for all trips during this time. In addition to accessing information electronically at www.soundtransit.org, passengers can request help with trip planning by calling Customer Service at 888-889-6368, TTY Relay 711.

All Sound Transit passengers must wear face coverings consistent with public health directives. Riders should also follow social distancing and other critical health guidelines to protect the community.

Sound Transit services are subject to the possibility of further increases or decreases based on staffing levels, future passenger demand and COVID-19 financial impacts.

A language line is available to provide translation assistance for limited English proficiency persons at 800-823-9230.

Sound Transit remains committed to working closely with its partners to continue serving the public, according to the agency. Efforts will continue to prioritize serving riders who depend on Sound Transit’s services, including seniors, people with disabilities, Title VI protected populations (race, color, national origin), low-income and limited-English-proficiency populations. To the greatest extent possible, Sound Transit plans to continue to run trains and buses at its earliest and latest normal weekday hours.