More Sounder trains, routes coming with $13.2 million expansion
Jan 29, 2016, 10:19 PM | Updated: May 7, 2016, 10:20 pm
Sounder ridership continues to experience double-digit growth as more trains are slated to come to the south end.
To accommodate the growing need for rail service, the Sound Transit Board of Directors announced today it is planning a $13.2 million expansion of the agency’s Sounder facilities in Lakewood.
The improvements — which include adding a third track to the existing yard — will enable Sound Transit to store more Sounder train cars for its popular Lakewood-to-Seattle service as the agency prepares to add three round-trip trains to meet demand.
Ten round-trip trains now operate on the south line. Another round-trip train in September will add late-morning and late-afternoon service. Two peak-service round-trip trains will roll out next year.
During the third quarter of 2015, average weekday ridership between Lakewood and Seattle increased 15 percent compared to the same period last year. Game day trains to select Seahawks, Mariners and Sounders FC home events are also a big hit with sports fans.
“Sounder commuter rail is more popular than ever,” said Sound Transit Board Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine. “This fall we’re adding another weekday round trip between Lakewood, Tacoma, South King County and Seattle, and two more in 2017.”
When complete in 2017, the expanded layover facility will have the capacity to store up to seven eight-car train sets. When additional Sounder service starts this fall, crews will operate seven seven-car trains.
Other details of the expansion include permanent office space, parking for crew members, and new fencing, guard booths and surveillance systems.
Voters approved the additional trains and Sounder Yard Expansion in the 2008 Sound Transit 2 ballot measure. The new round trips require placing additional train sets into service.
With the region’s population projected to grow by 1 million people by 2040, commuters are demanding more transit services.
