METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Sound Transit approves 2017 service changes

Improvements include two additional peak Sounder south line round trip trains and 15,000 additional annual platform hours for ST Express bus service to meet growing demand and deliver voter-approved projects.

December 19, 2016
Sound Transit approves 2017 service changes

Daniel Schwen

2 min to read


Daniel Schwen

Seattle’s Sound Transit Board of Directors approved service improvements in 2017 that include two additional peak Sounder south line round trip trains and 15,000 additional annual platform hours for ST Express bus service to meet growing demand and deliver voter-approved projects.

As part of the 2008 voter-approved Sound Transit 2 package of transportation investments, the agency will add two new peak hour Sounder commuter rail trips between Lakewood and Seattle in September 2017. The final schedule for these new round trips will be developed next year.

Ad Loading...

In response to increasingly crowded conditions on ST Express service, Sound Transit will also add 15,000 annual platform hours for ST Express regional bus service beginning in September. The agency will conduct a detailed analysis in early 2017 to identify the most crowded bus routes for additional investments. These increased hours will supplement 43,000 annual platform hours added in 2016.

In addition to the added service hours, Sound Transit will also roll out 32 new double-decker buses on Snohomish County routes and will add longer buses to its busiest routes in King and Pierce counties.

Voters approved four new Sounder south line round trips in the Sound Transit 2 ballot measure. The first round-trip train began service in fall 2013. The second of the four round trips was implemented as a midday train this September. The last two trains will provide peak hour round trips in September 2017.

The additional commuter rail and bus service supplements expansions of Link light rail service that began serving the University of Washington at Husky Stadium and Capitol Hill in March, and Angle Lake south of Sea-Tac Airport in September. Third quarter ridership this year increased 27% compared to the same period last year

More Management

Terrel Smith

Terrel Smith Launches New TransitOne Venture, Focuses on Building Relationships

The company partners with manufacturers such as Kiel Seating, Camira Fabric, and TSI Video, focusing on areas that directly impact both passenger experience and operational performance.

Read More →
A group of people stand in the Harlem-148 Street 3 Station and pose during a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Managementby StaffMay 4, 2026

New Accessibility Upgrades Open at Harlem Subway Station

A new ADA-compliant ramp and station upgrades improve access, enhance the rider experience, and deliver millions in cost savings for the MTA.

Read More →
Erin Hockman
Managementby StaffMay 4, 2026

Iowa's DART Taps New CEO

Erin Hockman will officially assume the role on May 7, as current CEO Amanda Wanke departs to take a leadership position with Metro Transit in the Twin Cities.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
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 VIA bus
Busby StaffMay 1, 2026

San Antonio's VIA Launches Next Round of Bus Improvements

The changes are designed to reduce overall travel time, shorten wait times, and get customers to their destinations more quickly.

Read More →
A graphic of a map showing a "Snapshot of Systemwide Vulnerabilities (projected)."
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMay 1, 2026

MBTA Unveils First Systemwide Climate Resilience Roadmap

The plan outlines strategies to protect transit infrastructure from extreme weather, prioritize critical investments, and improve system reliability as climate risks intensify.

Read More →
Ad Loading...

People Movement: DART Names Interim Chief, Clean Energy Taps New President/CEO

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at MCTS, Voith, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

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 →
transit tracker connectpoint
Sponsoredby Alex RomanMay 1, 2026

Connectpoint Expands Digital Signage Strategy with LED Push

Connectpoint is enhancing its digital signage strategy by integrating LED technology into its services.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
frontrunner bus
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

ADA Compliant Transit: Easier, More Dignified Travel for Every Passenger

Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.

Read More →