Sound Transit Light Rail Service

Sound Transit and Community Transit Build a Smart Plan for Future Service

The Northgate Link Extension adds three new Link light rail stations at Northgate, Roosevelt and the U District. When these new stations open in 2021, people will be able to connect to Link at Northgate and enjoy fast, reliable service to downtown Seattle, the University of Washington, Sea-Tac Airport and many more destinations around the region.

In late 2019, Sound Transit and Community Transit asked riders to weigh in on ideas to reroute some buses and connect Snohomish County riders to Link light rail at Northgate starting in 2021. Sound Transit and Community Transit updated the service proposal based on feedback and provided a survey that ended on June 4, 2020. 

What was heard during phase 1 outreach:

• Many riders are willing to transfer from bus to light rail to improve the speed and reliability of their commute.
• Riders want more frequent bus service to reduce transfer times at Northgate.
• Riders want more options to reach their destinations.

Service proposal:

• Increases trip frequency and includes longer operating hours for select routes, especially in the evening.
• Offers more choices for riders: to transfer to light rail at Northgate or continue to downtown Seattle by bus.

Sound Transit 510 series:

• Maintaining direct bus service from Everett to downtown Seattle via ST Express Route 510 and Sounder North service; routes 511, 512 and 513 will connect to Link at Northgate instead.

Community Transit 400 and 800 series:

• 400 series bus routes will maintain direct service to downtown Seattle.
• Routes 810, 821, 860, 871 and 880 will connect to Link at Northgate; Route 821 service will replace Route 855 at Lynnwood Transit Center.

Ultimately, changes will need to be approved by the Community Transit and Sound Transit boards. Final approval will take place this summer. The approved set of changes would be implemented once the Northgate Link Extension project opens in 2021.