METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Seattle museum to teach kids about public transportation

The Sound Transit Station exhibit, enabled by $9,600 in funding from the transit system, welcomes kids to "drive" a replica of a Sound Transit train.

January 7, 2014
Seattle museum to teach kids about public transportation

 

2 min to read


The Seattle Children's Museum is completing a new Sound Transit Station exhibit that will give kids a chance to learn about public transit and picture the excitement of riding — or operating — a train.

RELATED: "Pa. transit scavenger hunt educates children"

Ad Loading...

"This exhibit will help inspire the next generation to ride and, we hope, continue to expand Sound Transit's light rail network," said Sound Transit Board Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine. "What kid doesn't love a train? It's today's kids who will reap the greatest benefits from the congestion-free light rail system that Sound Transit is building today."  

The exhibit is currently open in a testing phase. Enabled by $9,600 in Sound Transit funding, the exhibit welcomes kids to step up to a large train table to drive a replica of the Sound Transit lines. Families can also stop for a photo opportunity, capturing themselves "inside" a Sound Transit train. Zap Gridlock, Sound Transit's traffic-fighting superhero mascot, will be on hand.  

"We appreciate the team at Sound Transit, who not only provided financial support for this renovation, but worked with our team to create a learning environment," said Seattle Children's Museum Executive Director Donna Marie Bertrand. "Trains and transportation are not only fascinating to kids and adults alike, but are springboards for math, science and literacy."  

Now celebrating its 34th year, the Seattle Children's Museum is a 22,000-square-foot play space where children ages 10 months to 10 years and their families can play and explore.

More Rail

Operation Lifesaver Rail Safety Education logo over railroad tracks background, representing rail safety awareness initiatives.
Railby News/Media ReleaseMay 4, 2026

Operation Lifesaver Awards Rail Safety Outreach Funds in 12 States

Operation Lifesaver awarded $220,200 in grants to 12 states to support rail safety campaigns focused on grade crossing awareness and trespass prevention.

Read More →
Caltrain trains on tracks
Railby StaffMay 1, 2026

Caltrain Survey Shows Record-High Rider Approval

The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.

Read More →
A person working on a bus
ManagementMay 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Carmen C. Cham of HNTB
Managementby Alex RomanApril 29, 2026

How Transit Architecture Is Reshaping the Rider Journey

In this Consultant Roundtable, Carmen C. Cham shares insights on how agencies can create spaces that are intuitive, connected and built for long-term impact.

Read More →
A Red Line Rendering
Railby StaffApril 27, 2026

Chicago Kicks Off Historic Red Line Extension at Michigan Avenue Station Site

The Red Line Extension Project will provide the Far South Side of Chicago with rapid rail transit for the first time by extending the Red Line by 5.5 miles from 95th Street to 130th Street, including the construction of four new Red Line stations at 103rd, 111th, Michigan, and 130th streets.

Read More →
Trains at railroad crossings
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 27, 2026

USDOT Invests $1.1B to Enhance Safety Infrastructure at Railroad Crossings

Every year, more than 2,000 incidents and 300 fatalities occur at railroad crossings nationwide. 

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Siemens and LK Comstock photo for Fulton-Liberty Lines
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 27, 2026

NYC’s Fulton–Liberty Lines Get Digital Signal Upgrade from Siemens and L.K. Comstock

The Siemens CBTC System, Trainguard MT, in compliance with New York Subway Interoperability Interface Specifications, enables trains to run as close as 90 seconds apart, using next-generation signaling and continuous communication to keep operations moving seamlessly.

Read More →
WMATA 7000-series railcars at Navy Yard
Managementby StaffApril 24, 2026

WMATA Adopts FY2027 Budget, Boosts Service Without Raising Fares

While recognizing regional economic constraints and continuing to improve service, the budget increases the jurisdictional subsidy to less than 1.8%, significantly below the inflation rate and the 3% regional target, said agency officials.

Read More →
Denver RTD's A Line with passengers
Railby StaffApril 23, 2026

Denver's RTD Celebrates 10th Anniversary of the A Line

With more than 59,400,000 boardings since the service’s debut, the A Line’s utilization surpassed that of all other RTD rail services in 2025, the agency reported.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Passengers on a public transit vehicle.
Railby StaffApril 21, 2026

Virginia DRPT Releases Draft Six-Year Program for Transit, Rail Investments

The plan outlines funding for transit operations, capital projects, and freight and passenger rail initiatives, as state officials seek public input on priorities shaping mobility and infrastructure across the Commonwealth.

Read More →