(The Center Square) – Sound Transit is initiating a new plan to reduce crowding at its upcoming Link light rail extension through Lynnwood.
Proposed steps. announced last week, include increasing storage capacity for trains to allow for more frequent service during peak hours and alternative bus service between Snohomish County and Seattle.
Sound Transit will delay the opening of the 2 Line over Lake Washington until after the Lynnwood Link extension is finished to allow the agency to store new rail cars at its new operations and maintenance facility in Bellevue.
As a result, Sound Transit projects four-car trains running every eight minutes during peak hours rather than the originally projected running four-car trains every 10 minutes during peak hours.
According to Sound Transit, the other operations and maintenance facility in Seattle’s SODO District is already at full capacity, limiting storage options and creating the potential for crowded conditions on trains when the Lynnwood extension opens.