Update (Feb 21, 3:30pm): Crosslake 2 Line simulated service has resumed.
Following a power outage between Bel-Red station and Downtown Redmond station that started on Thursday, Sound Transit has decided to suspend simulated service on the full 2 Line until further notice. As of this morning, 2 Line trains will operate between South Bellevue station and Downtown Redmond station. The 2 Line will not run between International District/Chinatown station and Lynnwood City Center station. The 1 Line will run as scheduled.
Unexpected outages and service disruptions occur on all transit systems. When issues occur, transit agencies should clearly communicate the situation with passengers and quickly coordinate alternative travel options. Based on the past two days, Sound Transit needs to revamp how it manages outages on the 2 Line.
Communication Challenges
Sound Transit’s communication during the recent 2 Line power outage was all but clear. The agency’s first alert on the disruption (Thursday at 8:16pm) said “2 Line trains are temporarily disrupted until further notice due to power issues.” and encouraged passengers to use local bus service instead. Ten minutes later, a second alert clarified that 2 Line service was only suspended between Overlake Village station to Redmond Technology station. Trains were still operating from South Bellevue station to BelRed station, and from Downtown Redmond station to Marymoor Village station. This alert mentioned that shuttle buses had been ordered between Overlake Village station to Redmond Technology station…