Sound Transit says ridership at several stations and Sounder routes rises sharply on days when Seattle teams play.
The Story
With Seahawks, Kraken and Sounders games under way, Sound Transit says more sports fans are using public transportation on game days, including new options for Eastside riders.
Sound Transit’s David Jackson said ridership at Eastside stations is more than 100% higher on Sundays with games compared with Sundays without games. “People are coming early. They’re taking advantage of the train,” Jackson said.
On the opening night of the Seahawks season, Sound Transit said nearly 5,000 riders used South Bellevue Station, a 53% increase over the previous week’s baseline. The game was played on a Wednesday.
Jackson said using transit can also reduce game-day costs compared with driving. “They’re not driving, they’re not spending $5 a gallon in gas, and they’re paying for parking,” Jackson said, adding that a trip costs $3 each way.
The increased game-day demand isn’t limited to Link light rail. Sound Transit said it has added an extra Sounder train from both the Tacoma-Lakewood and Everett corridors this season, with more than 3,000 passengers using Sounder for Sunday daytime games.
Jackson said Kraken games also draw crowds at Westlake station, where riders can transfer to the monorail. He added that Sounders games are popular with transit riders as well.
For people planning to use transit for an upcoming game, Sound Transit recommends getting to the light rail station early if they plan to use a park-and-ride before it fills up.
← More stories