METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Sound Transit light, commuter rail services see boost in 2018 ridership

Overall, the agency's ridership for 2018 grew 2.9% to more than 48 million riders.

February 22, 2019
Sound Transit light, commuter rail services see boost in 2018 ridership

ST Express service decreased slightly, while Tacoma Link ridership was negatively affected by the closure of the Tacoma Dome for renovations last summer.

Sound Transit

1 min to read


ST Express service decreased slightly, while Tacoma Link ridership was negatively affected by the closure of the Tacoma Dome for renovations last summer. Sound Transit

In 2018, Sound Transit continued to see significant growth in rail ridership, as Link light rail ridership increased 6.1% over 2017 and Sounder ridership increased 4.5%.

“Our steady ridership growth further confirms the urgency of the light rail, commuter rail and bus rapid transit expansions our region’s voters approved,” said Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff. “These gains benefit all commuters and will keep coming as more people seize the opportunity to escape congestion and as light rail reaches Northgate in 2021, the Eastside in 2023, and Lynnwood and Federal Way in 2024.”

Ad Loading...

According to the most recent data available from the American Public Transportation Association, transit ridership nationally declined 1.75% in the third quarter of 2018 compared to the same quarter 2017, with light rail ridership dropping more than 3.5%.

Overall, Sound Transit ridership for 2018 grew 2.9% to more than 48 million riders. ST Express service decreased slightly, while Tacoma Link ridership was negatively affected by the closure of the Tacoma Dome for renovations last summer.

To view the ridership report, click here.

More Rail

A rendering of Alstom's LRV for the Toronto Transit Commission.
RailFebruary 9, 2026

Alstom to Supply New Subway Trains for Toronto

Manufactured and tested in Canada, the vehicles will operate in tandem with a cutting-edge signaling system also supplied by Alstom.

Read More →
A 7000-series WMATA railcar at Navy Yard.
Railby StaffFebruary 6, 2026

WMATA and Kawasaki Resolve 7000-Series Railcar Disputes

A multiparty investigation, led by the NTSB and that included WMATA and KRC, found that wheel migration in the 7000-series railcars contributed to the derailment.

Read More →
Photo for METROspectives episode with Ana-Maria Tomlinson
ManagementFebruary 4, 2026

Establishing Standards & Codes in Canada, with CSA’s Ana-Maria Tomlinson

In this episode of METROspectives, METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sits down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group).

Read More →
Ad Loading...
David Carol, Baker Alloush, and Jesse Lazarus from METRO's People Movement February 4 edition.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsFebruary 4, 2026

New Rolling Stock Strategy Lead at New York MTA and More in People Movement

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

Read More →
Railby StaffFebruary 2, 2026

Chicago Region Transit Ridership Grows in 2025

The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.

Read More →
Managementby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Valley Metro Sees Strong Ridership Growth in 2025

The agency ranked top five among mid-sized U.S. transit systems, defined as agencies with 15 million to 50 million annual trips.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Busby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Subway Customer Satisfaction Reaches Record High, New York MTA Says

The subway system saw increases across all key metrics, with 62% of subway riders reporting they feel satisfied with the system overall.

Read More →
Managementby StaffJanuary 27, 2026

Keolis Retains Virginia Railway Express Contract

The new contract for Keolis and VRE will commence in July 2026, with the potential to expand to 15 years.

Read More →
Busby StaffJanuary 27, 2026

California's OCTA Advances 2026 Initiatives Centered on Balance and Sustainability

The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Railby Staff and News ReportsJanuary 26, 2026

People Movement: Virginia's DRPT Names New Director and More

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

Read More →