Seattle’s Sound Transit is rolling out new Sounder coach cars into service.

The cars are part of an 11-car order approved by the Sound Transit board in 2020, totaling three passenger cab cars and eight coaches.

Alstom manufactured all the cars under a $46.5 million contract and came into service in anticipation of summer crowds for soccer and baseball.

Launching into Service

Riders began seeing the new cars on June 1 on the S Line, beginning with five coach cars being part of Train 1507, departing the agency’s King Street Station at 2:25 p.m.

The new cars have USB and power outlets at every seat, more theater-style seating, additional legroom for some seats, and a new bike rack design compared to the current fleet.

Additionally, all the cars being purchased include the latest safety design features known as Crash Energy Management (CEM), a technology that absorbs energy in the event of a collision. The main elements include an “energy absorption zone” at each end of the car and couplers that can absorb energy between cars.

Cab cars also feature a full-width windshield for enhanced operator sightlines.

“Safety and the passenger experience are part of Sound Transit’s DNA. These new cars embody both values, and we are pleased to bring them into service,” said Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine. “From creature comforts to improved visibility and performance, the new cars represent a real upgrade for our Sounder riders.”

Procurement of the Vehicles

Sound Transit officials said it partnered with two other transit agencies to purchase the new cars, California’s San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission and the North County Transit District, to reduce the unit price for each railcar with a larger order.

All the new cars in service have completed inspections, systems testing, and commissioning.