Sound Transit is seeking public input on potential capital improvements for the Sounder South train that serves Kent, Auburn and farther south.
Improvements could include additional daily trips, station updates to accommodate longer trains and more riders, according to Sound Transit. Any additional service would require negotiation with BNSF Railway, the railroad that owns most of the tracks used by Sounder.
The first step of the capacity expansion program is creation of a strategic plan to identify projects, service and completion dates. Planning for the first round of projects could begin as early as 2020, and all expansion program improvements will be complete by 2036.
Sounder South ridership has grown nearly 30 percent since 2014. During the peak commute, each train carries an average of 875 passengers. In 2016 voters approved funding for capital improvements on Sounder South, such as longer trains and the potential for additional trips.
Visit soundtransit.org/sounder-capacity to complete the survey, learn more about the project or sign up for project updates.
Sound Transit will also be holding several drop-in sessions:
• Thursday, Sept. 12, Tacoma Dome Station, 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 15, King Street Station, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 17, Puyallup Station, 3 to 7:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 17, Sumner Station, 3 to 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 18, South Tacoma Station, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 19, Kent Station, 3 to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 19, Tukwila Sounder Station, 3 to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 21, Puyallup Farmer’s Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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