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Sound Transit to install fare gates at 14 light rail stations
Sound Transit announced plans to install fare gates at several high-traffic light rail stations, with installation scheduled for 2029 to 2030.
SEATTLE - Sound Transit announced plans to add fare gates at several light rail stations by 2030.
What we know:
The Sound Transit Board approved a multi-year pilot program where they will install and test physical fare gates across 14 high-traffic stations. The pilot is scheduled to run through roughly 2034, with gate installation targeted for 2029 to 2030.
Currently, light rail passengers are supposed to pay fares before entering the platform, as fare ambassadors may ask for proof of payment. However, Sound Transit says this system has resulted in low fare compliance levels in recent years.
The new gates will require all riders to scan proof of payment to enter and exit platform areas at gated stations. Sound Transit points to a June 2026 assessment report that showed fare gates could yield a positive return on investment within two to three years.
Lynnwood Link light rail (File / FOX 13)
The following stations were selected for initial fare gate installation:
- International District/Chinatown
- Pioneer Square
- Symphony
- Westlake
- Capitol Hill
- University of Washington
- U District, Roosevelt
- Northgate
- Lynnwood City Center
- Downtown Redmond
- Federal Way Downtown
- SeaTac/Airport
- Bellevue Downtown
The estimated cost for construction, installation, maintenance and staffing during the pilot is approximately $87 million. Sound Transit said financial models indicate the gates could raise annual fare revenues by $32.8 million to $82.7 million per year.
The backstory:
Link light rail originally opened in 2009 without turnstiles or gates because early street-level stations made barriers unsafe and impractical, especially when buses shared the downtown Seattle tunnel. As system ridership expanded regionally, agency leaders determined that physical gates have become financially viable.
Sound Transit said it plans to begin public engagement regarding the Fare Gates Pilot Program in the months ahead. For more information, visit Sound Transit's website.
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The Source: Information in this story came from Sound Transit.