View source for Link light rail

{{short description|Light rail system in the Seattle metropolitan area}}
{{distinguish|text=the [[Baltimore Light RailLink]] system in Baltimore or the [[Terminal Link]] (formerly "Link Train") in Toronto}}
{{redirect|Seattle subway|the subterranean walkways|Seattle Underground}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2015}}
{{Infobox public transit
| box_width = 
| name = Link light rail
| image = Sound Transit Link Light Rail logo.svg
| alt = 
| imagesize = 150px
| caption = 
| image2 = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Link Light Rail Line 1 Siemens S700 Mount Baker Station (52232826261).jpg
| photo2a = Northbound Link train at Othello Station (31003193486).jpg
| photo2b = Tacoma Link 1003 at Convention Center Station.jpg
| size = 280
| spacing = 2
| color = transparent
| border = 0
}}
| alt2 = 
| imagesize2 = 
| caption2 = Clockwise from top: the [[1 Line (Sound Transit)|1&nbsp;Line]] near [[Mount Baker station]], the [[T Line (Sound Transit)|T&nbsp;Line]] at [[Convention Center/South 15th Street station|Convention Center station]], and the 1&nbsp;Line at [[Othello station]] in Seattle
| owner = [[Sound Transit]]
| locale = [[Seattle]], Washington, U.S.
| transit_type = [[Light rail]]
| lines = 3
| stations = {{#expr: 23 + 10 + 12}}<ref name="Stations">{{cite web |title=Link light rail stations |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/stations/link-light-rail-stations |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=May 10, 2025}}</ref>
| daily_ridership = {{American transit ridership|WA Seattle Sound Transit LR daily}} ({{American transit ridership|dailydate}}){{American transit ridership|dailycitation}}
| annual_ridership = {{American transit ridership|WA Seattle Sound Transit LR annual}} ({{American transit ridership|annualdate}}){{American transit ridership|annualcitation}}
| website = {{URL|https://soundtransit.org}}
| began_operation = {{start date and age|2003|08|22}}
| operator = [[Sound Transit]], [[King County Metro]]
| character = 
| vehicles = 222
| system_length = {{convert|{{#expr: 8.5 + 4.3 + 3.15 + 13.9 + 1.7 +1.6 + 7.5 + 4 + 3.4}}|mi|km|2|abbr=on}}<!--Do not remove expression per [[WP:V]]-->
| notrack = 
| track_gauge = {{Track gauge|ussg|allk=on}}
| minimum_radius_of_curvature = 
| el = [[Overhead line]]; {{plainlist|
* {{1,500 V DC}} (1 & 2 Lines)
* {{750 V DC}} (T Line)
}}
| average_speed = 
| top_speed = 
| map = {{Link light rail}}
| map_name = System map
| map_state = collapsed
}}

'''Link light rail''' is a [[light rail]] system with some [[rapid transit]] characteristics that serves the [[Seattle metropolitan area]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Washington (state)|Washington]]. It is managed by [[Sound Transit]] in partnership with local transit providers, and consists of three non-connected lines: the [[1 Line (Sound Transit)|1&nbsp;Line]] (formerly Central Link) in [[King County, Washington|King County]] and [[Snohomish County, Washington|Snohomish County]], which travels for {{convert|33|mi|km|0}} between [[Lynnwood, Washington|Lynnwood]], [[Seattle]], and [[Seattle–Tacoma International Airport]]; the [[2 Line (Sound Transit)|2 Line]] in King County's [[Eastside (King County, Washington)|Eastside]] region, which travels for {{convert|10|mi|km|1}} between [[Bellevue, Washington|Bellevue]] and [[Redmond, Washington|Redmond]]; and the [[T Line (Sound Transit)|T&nbsp;Line]] (formerly Tacoma Link) in [[Pierce County, Washington|Pierce County]], which runs for {{convert|4|mi|km}} between [[Downtown Tacoma]] and [[Tacoma Dome Station]]. In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the system had a ridership of 30.4&nbsp;million, or about {{American transit ridership|WA Seattle Sound Transit LR daily}} per weekday as of {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}, primarily on the 1&nbsp;Line. Trains run at frequencies of 6 to 24 minutes.

The Link light rail system was originally conceived in the 1980s following several earlier proposals for a [[heavy rail]] system that were rejected by voters. Sound Transit was created in 1993 and placed a [[referendum|ballot measure]] to fund and build the system, which was passed on a second attempt in 1996. Tacoma Link began construction first in 2000 and opened on August 22, 2003, at a cost of $80&nbsp;million. Central Link construction was delayed because of funding issues and routing disputes, but began in November 2003 and was completed on July 18, 2009, for $2.4&nbsp;billion. Central Link trains initially ran from [[Downtown Seattle]] to [[Tukwila International Boulevard station]] before being extended south to the airport in December 2009, north to the [[University of Washington]] in March 2016, and further south to [[Angle Lake station]] in September 2016. An extension to [[Northgate station (Sound Transit)|Northgate station]] opened on October 2, 2021, and a further extension to [[Lynnwood City Center station]] opened on August 30, 2024.

The first phase of the 2&nbsp;Line opened on April 27, 2024, between [[South Bellevue station|South Bellevue]] and [[Redmond Technology station|Redmond Technology]] stations, an extension east to Downtown Redmond opened in May 2025. It is scheduled to be extended west to Seattle in early 2026. Sound Transit plans to expand the Link light rail network to {{convert|116|mi|km|0}} and 83 stations by 2044, using funding approved by voters in 2008 and [[Sound Transit 3|2016]] ballot measures. A suburban extension to [[Federal Way, Washington|Federal Way]] is scheduled to open in 2026 after construction delays. Later projects will expand the system to cover the metropolitan area from [[Everett, Washington|Everett]] to Tacoma, along with branches to [[Kirkland, Washington|Kirkland]], [[Issaquah, Washington|Issaquah]], and the Seattle neighborhoods of [[Ballard, Seattle|Ballard]] and [[West Seattle, Seattle|West Seattle]].

==History==
{{Main article|History of Link light rail}}

The first public transit networks in the [[Puget Sound region]] were various [[streetcar]], [[cable car (railway)|cable car]]s, and [[interurban]]s constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which spurred the development of [[streetcar suburb]]s. Some of these systems were consolidated into the [[Seattle Municipal Street Railway]], a city-owned network established in 1918, while others remained under the operation of their private owners.<ref>{{cite news |date=February 1, 1987 |title=A look into rail's past |page=B3 |work=[[The Seattle Times]]}}</ref><ref name="HL-Streetcars">{{cite web |last=Crowley |first=Walt |authorlink=Walt Crowley |date=October 2, 2000 |title=Street Railways in Seattle |url=http://www.historylink.org/File/2707 |work=[[HistoryLink]] |accessdate=November 9, 2022 |archive-date=September 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918154346/http://www.historylink.org/File/2707 |url-status=live }}</ref> Unsuccessful proposals for a [[rapid transit]] system to connect Seattle's neighborhoods, and later other cities in the region, also emerged during the peak and later decline of streetcar and interurban service, both of which were dismantled by 1941.<ref name="HL-Streetcars"/>

Following the 1968 and 1970 rejection of the [[Forward Thrust]] ballot measure to build a rapid transit system, voters in [[King County, Washington|King County]] approved the creation of a new countywide bus system under the management of [[Municipality of Metropolitan Seattle]], an existing water treatment and sewage agency.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cohen |first=Josh |date=October 14, 2016 |title=How Seattle blew its chance at a subway system |url=http://features.crosscut.com/seattle-forward-thrust-sound-transit |work=[[Crosscut.com]] |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917000729/http://features.crosscut.com/seattle-forward-thrust-sound-transit |archivedate=September 17, 2017 |accessdate=November 9, 2022}}</ref> The system began operating in 1973 and later included the construction of the [[Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel]] in the late 1980s to relieve bus congestion on downtown streets.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kershner |first=Jim |date=February 21, 2020 |title=King County Metro Transit |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/20968 |work=HistoryLink |accessdate=November 9, 2022 |archive-date=November 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109084057/https://www.historylink.org/File/20968 |url-status=live }}</ref> Metro and the [[Puget Sound Council of Governments]] also began planning a regional transit system at that time; a joint 1981 study named [[light rail]] as the preferred mode that would be able to operate on streets in some areas but generally follow freeway corridors to regional centers.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lane |first=Bob |date=March 22, 1981 |title='Light rail' system might solve transit problems, says study |page=A16 |newspaper=The Seattle Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gough |first=William |date=December 5, 1982 |title=Rapid-transit system studied for Seattle, Snohomish County |page=B31 |newspaper=The Seattle Times}}</ref> A non-binding advisory ballot measure on further development of a light rail system approved by voters in 1988.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lane |first=Bob |date=November 9, 1988 |title=Ballot Issues: On track, voters say 'hop to' on rail transit |page=E9 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> Metro's transit tunnel opened for buses in September 1990 and included tracks and electrical systems that would be compatible for future conversion to light rail.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lane |first=Bob |date=April 22, 1988 |title=Metro makes tracks for tracks for future |page=B1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref>

In 1993, the [[Washington State Legislature|state legislature]] formed a new agency, the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (commonly known as [[Sound Transit]]), to oversee development of an inter-county transit system that would include light rail, [[commuter rail]], and [[express bus]]es in King, [[Pierce County, Washington|Pierce]], and [[Snohomish County, Washington|Snohomish]] counties. A ballot measure to fund a $6.7&nbsp;billion plan (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US-GDP|6700000000|1995}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{inflation-fn|US-GDP}} with a {{convert|70|mi|km|adj=mid}} light rail network, which would connect Seattle to [[Lynnwood, Washington|Lynnwood]], [[Bellevue, Washington|Bellevue]], and [[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma]], was rejected by 53&nbsp;percent of voters on March 14, 1995.<ref>{{cite news |last=Schaefer |first=David |date=February 12, 1995 |title=On the right track? Questions, answers to the $6.7 billion proposal |page=A1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Schaefer |first1=David |last2=Murakami |first2=Kery |date=March 15, 1995 |title=Transit plan derailed: Pierce, Snohomish county voters say no to $6.7 billion proposal |page=A1 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19950315&slug=2110262 |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 9, 2022 |archive-date=November 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109085612/https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19950315&slug=2110262 |url-status=live }}</ref> A revised plan announced the following year cut the light rail line to {{convert|25|mi|km}} between [[Seattle–Tacoma International Airport]] and [[University District, Seattle|University District]] in Seattle and a section connecting [[Downtown Tacoma]] to the [[Tacoma Dome]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Schaefer |first=David |date=October 6, 1996 |title=Looking at the new transit proposal |page=A1 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19961006&slug=2352937 |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 9, 2022 |archive-date=November 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109085603/https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19961006&slug=2352937 |url-status=live }}</ref> The new package, estimated to cost $3.9&nbsp;billion (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US-GDP|3900000000|1996}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{inflation-fn|US-GDP}} with funding from a [[sales tax]] and motor vehicle [[excise tax]], was approved by voters on November 5, 1996.<ref>{{cite news |last=Schaefer |first=David |date=November 6, 1996 |title=Voters back transit plan on fourth try |page=A1 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19961106&slug=2358535 |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=February 26, 2007 |archive-date=November 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130202730/https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19961106&slug=2358535 |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 1997, Sound Transit adopted "Link" as the name for the light rail system along with [[Sounder commuter rail|Sounder]] for commuter rail and [[Sound Transit Express|Regional Express]] for buses.<ref>{{cite press release |date=August 15, 1997 |title="Sound Transit" to be the Name for Regional Transit Authority Services |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/sound-transit-to-be-name-regional-transit-authority |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 9, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Dudley |first=Brier |date=July 19, 1997 |title='Link' may join BART and MAX |page=A1 |work=[[The News Tribune]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112780699/link-may-join-bart-and-max/ |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |accessdate=November 9, 2022 |archive-date=November 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109092720/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112780699/link-may-join-bart-and-max/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Downtown Tacoma line, named [[T Line (Sound Transit)|Tacoma Link]], was preceded by a shuttle bus from the new [[Tacoma Dome Station|Tacoma Dome multimodal station]] built by [[Pierce Transit]] in 1997. The project was anticipated to revitalize the city's downtown and serve the new [[University of Washington Tacoma]] campus.<ref>{{cite news |date=February 16, 1998 |title=Service gives downtown commuters parking, ride |page=B2 |work=[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]}}</ref> The line's {{convert|1.6|mi|km|adj=mid}} route—primarily on Commerce Street and Pacific Avenue—was approved in 1999 and construction officially began on October 18, 2000.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 8, 1999 |title=Sound Transit Motion No. M99-28 |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/about/board/motions/1999/motion20no20m99-28.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112832/http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/about/board/motions/1999/motion20no20m99-28.pdf |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |accessdate=November 10, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |date=October 6, 2000 |title=Opening of expanded Tacoma Dome Station, start of Tacoma Link light rail construction to be celebrated |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/opening-expanded-tacoma-dome-station-start-tacoma-link |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 10, 2022 |archive-date=November 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111064844/https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/opening-expanded-tacoma-dome-station-start-tacoma-link |url-status=live }}</ref> Tacoma Link opened on August 22, 2003, with five stations, and cost $80.4&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US-GDP|80400000|2003}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{inflation-fn|US-GDP}} to construct.<ref>{{cite news |last=Corvin |first=Aaron |date=August 23, 2003 |title=Tacoma Link makes its debut |page=A1 |work=The News Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112877959/tacoma-link-makes-its-debut/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=November 10, 2022 |archive-date=November 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111064844/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112877959/tacoma-link-makes-its-debut/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The line had [[free public transport|no fares]] and exceeded its 2010 ridership projections by early 2003, carrying its 500,000th passenger in April of the year.<ref>{{cite news |last=Corvin |first=Aaron |date=April 28, 2004 |title=City's streetcar system hits 500,000-rider mark |page=B2 |work=The News Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112877994/citys-streetcar-system-hits/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=November 10, 2022 |archive-date=November 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111064846/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112877994/citys-streetcar-system-hits/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, debates raged over various issues surrounding the Central Link line, which would connect Sea-Tac to Seattle. In the late nineties and early 2000s, Sound Transit underwent a series of financial and political difficulties. The cost of the line rose significantly,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=TTGI2KF2J&date=20001213&query=%22light+rail%22 | title=Light-rail cost soars $1 billion | work=The Seattle Times | date=December 13, 2000 | access-date=February 28, 2007 | archive-date=July 11, 2012 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711224039/http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=TTGI2KF2J&date=20001213&query=%22light+rail%22 | url-status=dead }}</ref> and the federal government threatened to withhold necessary grants.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=sound30m&date=20010330&query=light+rail | title=Federal aid in jeopardy for light rail | author=Andrew Garber | work=The Seattle Times | date=March 30, 2001 | access-date=April 21, 2007 | archive-date=July 8, 2012 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708011852/http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=sound30m&date=20010330&query=light+rail | url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2001, Sound Transit was forced to shorten the line from the original proposal, and growing enthusiasm for the [[Seattle Monorail Project|proposed monorail]] brought rising opposition to the light rail from Seattle-area residents.<ref name="Full Steam Ahead">{{cite news |url=http://www.routefifty.com/2016/03/seattle-u-link-sound-transit-infrastructure/126863/ |title=With Seattle's Long-Awaited Transit Expansion Now Reality, It's Full Steam Ahead |first=Michael |last=Grass |date=March 23, 2016 |work=Route Fifty |publisher=[[Atlantic Media]] |access-date=April 12, 2016 |archive-date=March 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328182918/http://www.routefifty.com/2016/03/seattle-u-link-sound-transit-infrastructure/126863/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On November 8, 2003, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Central Link light rail line. Central Link opened between [[Westlake (Link station)|Westlake Station]] and Tukwila on July 18, 2009, at a cost of $2.4&nbsp;billion (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US-GDP|2400000000|2009}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars).{{inflation-fn|US-GDP}}<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/News-release-archive/Link-Launch |title=Countdown to a new era: all aboard Link light rail starting July 18 |publisher=Sound Transit |date=April 20, 2009 |access-date=March 20, 2016 |archive-date=March 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330210857/http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/News-release-archive/Link-Launch |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gutierrez |first=Scott |date=June 23, 2011 |title=Link light rail under $2.4 billion after contract dispute ends |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/Link-light-rail-under-2-4-bil-after-contract-1438035.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |accessdate=November 14, 2022 |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115043841/https://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/Link-light-rail-under-2-4-bil-after-contract-1438035.php |url-status=live }}</ref> It was extended {{convert|1.7|mi|km}} to SeaTac/Airport on December 19, 2009.<ref name="ST-Airport2009"/>

In November 2006, the U.S. [[Federal Transit Administration]] approved Sound Transit's plan for [[University Link]], a project to extend light rail {{convert|3.1|mi|km|0}} north to the [[University of Washington]] after completion of an [[Environmental impact assessment|Environmental Impact Study]]. A grant was approved in November 2008, which allowed University Link to begin construction in December 2008. The line opened, including the [[University Link Tunnel]], on March 19, 2016.<ref name="LAT 20160404">{{cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-sej-seattle-light-rail-20160404-story.html |title=Seattle continues quest to get greener as it grows with 'transformative' light-rail expansion |first=William |last=Yardley |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=April 4, 2016 |access-date=April 12, 2016 |archive-date=April 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411121647/http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-sej-seattle-light-rail-20160404-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In September 2019, Sound Transit renamed Central Link to the Red Line and Tacoma Link to the Orange Line as part of their update to transit branding.<ref name="ST-Colors">{{cite news |last=Netzler |first=Kat |date=September 18, 2019 |title=Link light rail debuts line colors |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/link-light-rail-debuts-line-colors |work=The Platform |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=September 18, 2019 |archive-date=September 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922092611/https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/link-light-rail-debuts-line-colors |url-status=live }}</ref> Two months later, the agency announced that it would consider a new name for the Red Line after complaints because of the similarity of the "Red Line" with [[redlining]] as well as confusion over [[King County Metro]]'s [[RapidRide]] system (which utilizes red bullets for its service routes).<ref>{{cite news |last=Martinez-Vasquez |first=Jackie |date=November 14, 2019 |title=Sound Transit will drop the "Red Line" name |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/sound-transit-will-drop-red-line-name |work=The Platform |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=November 14, 2019 |archive-date=November 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115022024/https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/sound-transit-will-drop-red-line-name |url-status=live }}</ref> A new naming scheme came into effect in 2021, using the "1&nbsp;Line" (green) for the existing line in Seattle, the "2&nbsp;Line" (blue) for East Link, and the "T&nbsp;Line" (orange) for Tacoma Link. Future light rail extensions will use the "3&nbsp;Line" (magenta) and the "4&nbsp;Line" (purple), alongside new names for Sounder and bus rapid transit services.<ref>{{cite news |last=Shaner |first=Zee |date=April 9, 2020 |title=New line names coming in 2021 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/new-line-names-coming-2021 |work=The Platform |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=April 9, 2020 |archive-date=April 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422092622/https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/new-line-names-coming-2021 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=April 2020 |title=Transit line naming: Frequently asked questions (FAQs) |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/sound-transit-line-naming-faq.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=April 9, 2020 |archive-date=April 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428162349/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/sound-transit-line-naming-faq.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Lines==
{{Maplink|frame=yes|frame-align=center|frame-width=600|frame-height=800|zoom=10|frame-lat=47.53|frame-long=-122.28|type=line|from=1 Line (Sound Transit).map|type2=line|from2=T Line (Sound Transit).map|type3=line|from3=2 Line (Sound Transit), 2024.map|text=A geographic map of the Link light rail system with the three active lines: the [[1 Line (Sound Transit)|1 Line]] in green, the [[2 Line (Sound Transit)|2 Line]] in blue, and the [[T Line (Sound Transit)|T Line]] in orange.}}

===1 Line (Lynnwood–Angle Lake)===
{{main article|1 Line (Sound Transit)}}

The [[1 Line (Sound Transit)|1&nbsp;Line]], formerly Central Link, is a light rail line serving 23 stations in [[Lynnwood, Washington|Lynnwood]], [[Mountlake Terrace, Washington|Mountlake Terrace]], [[Shoreline, Washington|Shoreline]], [[Seattle]], [[Tukwila, Washington|Tukwila]], and [[SeaTac, Washington|SeaTac]].<ref name="Stations"/><ref name="Times-Aurora">{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=August 28, 2024 |title=Why is light rail to Lynnwood opening next to I-5 and not on Aurora? |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/why-is-light-rail-to-lynnwood-opening-next-to-i-5-and-not-on-aurora/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=September 2, 2024 |archive-date=September 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901040137/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/why-is-light-rail-to-lynnwood-opening-next-to-i-5-and-not-on-aurora/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It uses trains of three to four cars that each have a normal capacity of 194 passengers with up to 74 seats.<ref name="Times-NorthgateFacts">{{cite news |last1=Lindblom |first1=Mike |last2=Baruchman |first2=Michelle |date=September 26, 2021 |title=Fast facts about light-rail expansion to U District, Roosevelt, Northgate |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/fast-facts-about-northgate-light-rail-before-it-opens-saturday/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 14, 2022 |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115041914/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/fast-facts-about-northgate-light-rail-before-it-opens-saturday/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Times-Crowded">{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=August 8, 2016 |title=Sound Transit keeping close eye on crowded light-rail trains |page=A7 |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-keeping-close-eye-on-crowded-light-rail-trains/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918110601/http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-keeping-close-eye-on-crowded-light-rail-trains/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The line connects [[Northgate, Seattle|Northgate]], the [[University of Washington]], and [[Downtown Seattle]] to the [[Rainier Valley, Seattle|Rainier Valley]] and [[Seattle–Tacoma International Airport]], using tunnels, elevated guideways, and surface-running sections.<ref name="DJC-Earl">{{cite news |last=Earl |first=Joni |date=July 16, 2009 |title=6 years and $2.4B later, Central Link ready to roll |url=https://www.djc.com/news/co/12008112.html |work=[[Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce]] |accessdate=November 14, 2022 |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115041916/https://www.djc.com/news/co/12008112.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Trains run every 8&nbsp;minutes during peak periods and 10–15 minutes at other times with trips from 4:00&nbsp;a.m. to 1:30&nbsp;a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, and from 5:00&nbsp;a.m. to 12:30&nbsp;a.m. on Sundays.<ref name="ST-TDP">{{cite web |date=August 25, 2022 |title=Transit Development Plan 2022–2027 and 2021 Annual Report |pages=15–19 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/sound-transit-tdp-2022-2027-and-2021-annual-report-20220825.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 17, 2022 |archive-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118064711/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/sound-transit-tdp-2022-2027-and-2021-annual-report-20220825.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=June 9, 2021 |title=Sound Transit light rail will improve to 8-minute frequency this weekend |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-light-rail-will-improve-to-8-minute-frequency-this-weekend/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 14, 2022 |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115041915/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-light-rail-will-improve-to-8-minute-frequency-this-weekend/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The 1&nbsp;Line carried over 28.9{{nbsp}}million passengers and averaged over 83,000 on weekdays, making it the busiest transit route in the Seattle region.<ref name="Ridership">{{cite web |title=System performance tracker: Link Ridership |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/system-performance-tracker/ridership |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=June 20, 2025}}</ref>

The initial {{convert|13.9|mi|km|1|adj=on}} segment of Central Link was opened on July 18, 2009, between [[Westlake station (Sound Transit)|Westlake]] and [[Tukwila International Boulevard station|Tukwila International Boulevard]] stations.<ref name="ST-Airport2009">{{cite press release |date=November 13, 2009 |title=Countdown to airport connection: Link light rail to Sea-Tac Airport starts Dec. 19 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/countdown-to-airport-connection-link-light-rail-to-sea-tac |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=March 20, 2016 |archive-date=January 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114103536/https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/countdown-to-airport-connection-link-light-rail-to-sea-tac |url-status=live }}</ref> The northernmost four stations, in the [[Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel]], were shared with buses until they were rerouted in 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last=Groover |first=Heidi |date=March 25, 2019 |title=Buses no longer using Seattle's transit tunnel; Monday commutes test new routes |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/buses-are-out-as-downtown-transit-tunnel-shifts-to-rail-only-monday-commutes-will-test-new-bus-routes/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 14, 2022 |archive-date=March 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325205029/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/buses-are-out-as-downtown-transit-tunnel-shifts-to-rail-only-monday-commutes-will-test-new-bus-routes/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The line was extended six months after opening to [[SeaTac/Airport station]], a {{convert|1.7|mi|km|adj=mid}} project that began construction in 2006 due to delays in planning.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=September 23, 2006 |title=Construction under way for airport rail link |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2003272011_lightrail23m.html |work=The Seattle Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202130707/http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2003272011_lightrail23m.html |archive-date=February 2, 2018 |accessdate=November 14, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=December 16, 2009 |title=Airport rail station opens Saturday |page=A1 |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2010527454_airportlink17m.html |work=The Seattle Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116200835/http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2010527454_airportlink17m.html |archive-date=January 16, 2017 |accessdate=November 14, 2022}}</ref> A northern extension to the [[University of Washington]] campus with two stations in a {{convert|3.15|mi|km|adj=mid}} tunnel opened on March 19, 2016.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 18, 2016 |title=On Saturday, it's all aboard U Link |url=https://www.djc.com/news/co/12087354.html |work=Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce |accessdate=November 14, 2022 |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115043843/https://www.djc.com/news/co/12087354.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A one-stop extension to [[Angle Lake station]] to the south opened in September of that year.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=September 22, 2016 |title=Angle Lake light-rail station opens Saturday with party |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/angle-lake-station-opens-saturday-with-celebration/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 14, 2022 |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115043833/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/angle-lake-station-opens-saturday-with-celebration/ |url-status=live }}</ref> An extension to [[Northgate station (Sound Transit)|Northgate]], with two intermediate stations, opened on October 2, 2021.<ref name="Times-NorthgateFacts"/> The first cross-county extension, through Shoreline and Mountlake Terrace to Lynnwood, opened on August 30, 2024, and brought the line to over {{convert|33|mi|km|0}}.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Deshais |first1=Nicholas |last2=Lindblom |first2=Mike |date=August 30, 2024 |title=New light rail stations draw big crowds for first trips |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/new-light-rail-stations-draw-big-crowds-for-first-trips/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=August 30, 2024 |archive-date=August 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240830205810/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/new-light-rail-stations-draw-big-crowds-for-first-trips/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2 Line (South Bellevue–Redmond)===
[[File:First 2 Line trains at Bellevue Downtown station - April 27, 2024.jpg|thumb|right|The inaugural [[2 Line (Sound Transit)|2&nbsp;Line]] trains at [[Bellevue Downtown station]] on April 27, 2024]]
{{main|2 Line (Sound Transit)}}

The [[2 Line (Sound Transit)|2&nbsp;Line]] connects the [[Eastside (King County, Washington)|Eastside]] suburbs of [[Bellevue, Washington|Bellevue]] and [[Redmond, Washington|Redmond]]. It has {{convert|6.6|mi|km}} of tracks and eight stations with termini at [[South Bellevue station]] and [[Downtown Redmond station]]. Construction of the line, also known as the East Link Extension, was funded by the Sound Transit 2 ballot measure and began in 2016 at a cost of $3.7&nbsp;billion.<ref name="Times-ELSLDate">{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=February 15, 2024 |title=Sound Transit sets a date for Bellevue-Redmond trains |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-sets-a-date-for-bellevue-redmond-trains/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=February 15, 2024 |archive-date=August 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812041302/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-sets-a-date-for-bellevue-redmond-trains/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The initial phase on the Eastside opened on April 27, 2024 from Bellevue to [[Redmond Technology station]], and an extension to Downtown Redmond opened May 10, 2025.<ref name="Times-Redmond">{{cite news |last1=Deshais |first1=Nicholas |last2=Lindblom |first2=Mike |date=May 10, 2025 |title=Light rail grand opening in Redmond draws big crowds |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/light-rail-grand-opening-in-redmond-draws-big-crowds/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=May 10, 2025}}</ref> The 2&nbsp;Line carried 1.2{{nbsp}}million total passengers in 2024.<ref name="Ridership"/> The remainder of the line is expected to open in early 2026 with additional stations in Seattle and [[Mercer Island, Washington|Mercer Island]].<ref name="Times-2LineOpening">{{cite news |last1=Lindblom |first1=Mike |last2=Kroman |first2=David |date=April 27, 2024 |title=Eastside light rail line opens as huge crowds try out the ride |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/eastside-light-rail-line-opens-as-huge-crowds-try-out-the-ride/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=April 27, 2024 |archive-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507142625/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/eastside-light-rail-line-opens-as-huge-crowds-try-out-the-ride/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Times-EastsideNext">{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=May 12, 2025 |title=Light rail in Redmond just expanded; what's next for Eastside mass transit? |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/light-rail-in-redmond-just-expanded-whats-next-for-eastside-mass-transit/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=May 12, 2025}}</ref>

===T Line (Tacoma Dome–St. Joseph)===
{{main article|T Line (Sound Transit)}}

The [[T Line (Sound Transit)|T&nbsp;Line]], formerly Tacoma Link, is a streetcar line that connects [[Downtown Tacoma]] and nearby neighborhoods to [[Tacoma Dome Station]], a regional hub for buses and [[Sounder commuter rail]]. The line is {{convert|4|mi|km|1}} long<ref name="Modes">{{cite web |title=Modes of service |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/system-expansion/building-system/modes-service |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=September 16, 2023 |archive-date=September 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929145835/https://www.soundtransit.org/system-expansion/building-system/modes-service |url-status=live }}</ref> and has twelve stations that serve the [[University of Washington]]'s [[University of Washington Tacoma|Tacoma campus]], museums, hospitals, and other facilities.<ref name="DJC-Tacoma2001">{{cite news |last=Stephens |first=Terry |date=September 20, 2001 |title=Sound Transit seeks success in Tacoma |url=https://www.djc.com/news/co/11125897.html |work=Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce |accessdate=November 14, 2022 |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115054645/https://www.djc.com/news/co/11125897.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Cross |first=Robert |date=March 26, 2006 |title=Tacoma under glass |at=sec. 8, pp. 1, 7 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2006-03-26-0603250128-story.html |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |accessdate=November 14, 2022 |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115054633/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2006-03-26-0603250128-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It runs primarily in traffic lanes, sharing the Commerce Street transit mall with buses, and uses a mix of single and double-tracked sections.<ref name="DJC-Tacoma2001"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Corvin |first=Aaron |date=August 17, 2003 |title=Future Link: Tacoma or bust |pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98623115/future-link-tacoma-or-bust-part-1/ A15], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98623105/future-link-off-and-running/ A18] |work=The News Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98623115/future-link-tacoma-or-bust-part-1/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=November 14, 2022 |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115054636/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98623115/future-link-tacoma-or-bust-part-1/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Service on the original {{convert|1.6|mi|km|adj=mid}} section between Tacoma Dome Station and Downtown Tacoma began on August 26, 2003,<ref>{{cite news |last=Hadley |first=Jane |date=August 22, 2003 |title=Tacoma's light rail—1.6 historic miles |page=B1 |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Tacoma-s-light-rail-1-6-historic-miles-1122471.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |accessdate=November 14, 2022 |archive-date=November 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112233410/http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Tacoma-s-light-rail-1-6-historic-miles-1122471.php |url-status=live }}</ref> and was expanded with the opening of an [[infill station]] at [[Commerce Street/South 11th Street station|Commerce Street/South 11th Street]] in 2011.<ref name="ST-TacomaInfill">{{cite press release |date=September 14, 2011 |title=Tacoma Link Commerce Street Station opens tomorrow |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/tacoma-link-commerce-street-station-opens-tomorrow |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 14, 2022 |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115054633/https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/tacoma-link-commerce-street-station-opens-tomorrow |url-status=live }}</ref> An extension to the [[Hilltop, Tacoma, Washington|Hilltop]] neighborhood with {{convert|2.4|mi|km}} of track and seven new stations opened on September 16, 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=September 16, 2023 |title=Sound Transit's Tacoma streetcar climbs the Hilltop starting this weekend |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transits-tacoma-streetcar-climbs-the-hilltop-starting-this-weekend/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=September 16, 2023 |archive-date=September 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918195616/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transits-tacoma-streetcar-climbs-the-hilltop-starting-this-weekend/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Trains on the line typically run every 12&nbsp;minutes on weekdays and Saturdays and every 20&nbsp;minutes on Sundays and holidays. The T&nbsp;Line has service from 4:30&nbsp;a.m. to 10:00&nbsp;p.m. on weekdays and reduced hours on other days,<ref>{{cite web |date=September 16, 2023 |title=T Line schedule: Tacoma Dome—St. Joseph |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/schedule-t-line-extension.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=September 16, 2023 |archive-date=September 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918195620/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/schedule-t-line-extension.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> but operating hours are extended for major evening events at the [[Tacoma Dome]].<ref name="ST-TDP"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Ellouk |first=Bernard |date=October 30, 2017 |title=Sound Transit will make it easier to get to Garth Brooks concerts |url=https://www.king5.com/article/news/sound-transit-will-make-it-easier-to-get-to-garth-brooks-concerts/487351282 |publisher=[[KING-TV|KING 5 News]] |accessdate=November 14, 2022 |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115054635/https://www.king5.com/article/news/sound-transit-will-make-it-easier-to-get-to-garth-brooks-concerts/487351282 |url-status=live }}</ref> The line carried over 900,000 passengers in 2024 and averaged 3,618 riders on weekdays.<ref name="Ridership"/> Patronage peaked in 2012 at over 1&nbsp;million passengers, but has declined since then.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lynn |first=Adam |date=December 21, 2016 |title=Tacoma Link ridership heads downhill |page=A1 |url=https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/traffic/article122023504.html |work=The News Tribune |accessdate=November 14, 2022 |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412124328/https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/traffic/article122023504.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Fares were not collected until the 2023 opening of the Hilltop Extension; the T&nbsp;Line was the first Link line to use a flat fare rather than a distance-based fare.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sailor |first=Craig |date=September 14, 2023 |title=Tacoma Link doubles in length Saturday. Sound Transit isn't delivering what they promised |url=https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article279221189.html |work=The News Tribune |accessdate=September 16, 2023}}</ref><ref name="Fares"/>

==Stations==
{{main|List of Link light rail stations}}

{{As of|2025}}, the Link light rail system has [[List of Link light rail stations|45 stations]]—23 on the 1&nbsp;Line, 10 on the 2 Line and 12 on the T&nbsp;Line.<ref name="SafetyPlan"/><ref name="TDP2024">{{cite web |date=August 22, 2024 |title=Sound Transit Transit Development Plan 2024–2029 |pages=10–11, 26–27 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/sound-transit-transit-development-plan-20242029.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=December 15, 2024}}</ref> The two lines use different types of station designs but share several features, including weather canopies, signage, information kiosks, [[ticket vending machine]]s, seating, [[passenger information system|electronic information displays]], [[bicycle parking]], and [[public art]]work.<ref name="ST-StationDesign">{{cite web |date=June 2022 |title=Station Experience Design Guidelines |pages=32, 36–38, 64–65, 69 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/sound-transit-station-experience-design-guidelines-june-2022.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119020344/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/sound-transit-station-experience-design-guidelines-june-2022.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 2015 |title=Tacoma Link Expansion: Project Overview |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/projects/link/Tacoma/Tacoma_Link_Expansion/20150709_TLinkEXP_Folio.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202072153/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/projects/link/Tacoma/Tacoma_Link_Expansion/20150709_TLinkEXP_Folio.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The system also uses [[proof-of-payment]] for fare validation with [[paid area|paid fare zones]] in lieu of [[faregate]]s.<ref>{{cite news |last=Baruchman |first=Michelle |date=April 16, 2018 |title=Why Sound Transit doesn't use turnstiles at light-rail stations |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/why-sound-transit-doesnt-use-turnstiles-at-light-rail-stations/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119020338/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/why-sound-transit-doesnt-use-turnstiles-at-light-rail-stations/ |url-status=live }}</ref> To comply with the [[Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990]] (ADA), all Link stations include accessible seating, signage with [[Braille]] lettering, pathways, [[level boarding]], and [[tactile paving]] on the edge of platforms.<ref name="Accessibility">{{cite web |title=Transit accessibility |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/know-before-you-go/transit-accessibility |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119020338/https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/know-before-you-go/transit-accessibility |url-status=live }}</ref>

Platforms for both lines have a minimum width of {{convert|12|ft}} each for a pair of [[side platform]]s and {{convert|20|ft|m}} for an at-grade [[center platform]].<ref>{{cite web |date=May 2021 |title=Sound Transit Design Criteria Manual, Revision 5 Amendment 11 |page=9{{hyphen}}20 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/design-criteria-manual-may-2021.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119020338/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/design-criteria-manual-may-2021.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The majority of stations on the 1&nbsp;Line and 2&nbsp;Line are grade-separated, either underground or elevated, on exclusive right-of-way; several sections have at-grade stations, including in the Rainier Valley and [[SoDo, Seattle|SODO]].<ref name="SafetyPlan">{{cite report |date=September 2024 |title=Sound Transit Agency Safety Plan |pages=43–50 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/st_sharepoint/download/sites/PRDA/FinalRecords/2024/Report%20-%20Agency%20Safety%20Plan%20September%202024%20-%2009-23-24.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=December 15, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Times-Guide2016">{{cite news |last1=Sipe |first1=Tyler |last2=Wasson |first2=Lindsey |date=December 12, 2016 |title=Transit tourism: Explore Seattle by Link light rail |url=https://projects.seattletimes.com/2016/transit-tourism/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713022827/https://projects.seattletimes.com/2016/transit-tourism/ |url-status=live }}</ref> These stations have platforms that are {{convert|380|ft|m}} long to accommodate four-car trainsets and are connected to entrance structures at street level by stairs, elevators, and escalators.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 2017 |title=East Link Extension: Light Rail 101 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/project-documents/east-link-light-rail-design.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119020432/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/project-documents/east-link-light-rail-design.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=June 2014 |title=Chapter 2: Alternatives Considered |page=2{{hyphen}}2 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/lrpupdate_draftseis_04_chapter2.pdf |work=Regional Transit Long-Range Plan Update Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119020342/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/lrpupdate_draftseis_04_chapter2.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> T&nbsp;Line platforms are typically {{convert|90|ft|m}} long and at-grade with exits to adjacent sidewalks.<ref name="Central2005">{{cite report |author=Parsons Brinckerhoff |author-link=Parsons Brinckerhoff |date=March 2005 |title=Sound Transit Long Range Plan Update Issue Paper S.1: Tacoma Link Integration with Central Link |pages=5–7 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/projects/link/Tacoma/Tacoma_Link_Expansion/Tacoma_Link_Integration_With_Central_Link_Paper.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 18, 2022}}</ref> Some stations also feature parking lots, [[public restroom]]s, retail spaces, and designated [[busking]] areas.<ref name="ST-StationDesign"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Crawford |first=Galen |date=September 18, 2017 |title=Name that tune: new busking areas at six light rail stations |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/name-tune-new-busking-areas-six-light-rail-stations |work=The Platform |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119020338/https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/name-tune-new-busking-areas-six-light-rail-stations |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2024, "station codes" were introduced alongside the opening of the Lynnwood Link extension. These codes replaced the earlier "pictogram" system under which each station was labeled with an icon, which less than 20% of riders reported that they used for navigation. Washington state law requires station identifiers other than their names written in the [[Latin alphabet]], so [[Arabic numerals]] were selected instead. [[Westlake station (Sound Transit)|Westlake station]] has station code 50 on all lines and all other station codes are assigned based on the number of stops on a given line traveling from Westlake. For example, U District station is three stops north on the 1 Line from Westlake, so it has station code "1-47."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-29 |title=Understanding Sound Transit’s new three-digit Station Codes {{!}} Sound Transit |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/understanding-sound-transits-new-three-digit-station-codes |access-date=2025-01-17 |website=www.soundtransit.org |language=en}}</ref>

==Fares==
[[File:Northgate station ORCA reader (51546844616).jpg|thumb|right|An [[ORCA card]] reader at [[Northgate station (Sound Transit)|Northgate station]] prior to the transition to the second-generation system]]
{{see also|ORCA card}}

Link uses a [[proof-of-payment]] system, requiring valid payment before boarding and lacking a [[turnstile]] barrier at stations. Fares can be purchased as paper tickets at [[ticket vending machine]]s at stations, credit or passes loaded on an [[ORCA card]], or through a [[mobile ticketing]] app.<ref>{{cite web |title=How to pay |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/how-to-pay |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 1, 2023 |archive-date=November 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102032524/https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/how-to-pay |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Groover |first1=Heidi |last2=Baruchman |first2=Michelle |date=May 19, 2020 |title=Local transit systems make slow return to charging fares as coronavirus restrictions ease |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/local-transit-systems-make-slow-return-to-charging-fares-as-coronavirus-restrictions-ease/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 1, 2023 |archive-date=November 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102032521/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/local-transit-systems-make-slow-return-to-charging-fares-as-coronavirus-restrictions-ease/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Fare ambassadors employed by Sound Transit check for valid fares while aboard trains or in the fare-paid zone of stations.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gray |first=Bruce |date=November 14, 2017 |title=Why doesn't Link light rail use turnstiles? |work=The Platform |publisher=Sound Transit |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/why-doesnt-link-light-rail-use-turnstiles |url-status=live |access-date=February 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222083108/https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/why-doesnt-link-light-rail-use-turnstiles |archive-date=February 22, 2018}}</ref> Passengers who do not present a valid ticket or validated ORCA card are offered warnings, fined one of two [[Traffic citation|citation]] amounts, or receive a [[civil penalty|civil infraction]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Kroman |first=David |date=November 1, 2023 |title=Sound Transit to resume citations for passengers as it enforces fares |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-to-resume-citations-for-passengers-as-it-enforces-fares/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 1, 2023 |archive-date=November 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101161951/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-to-resume-citations-for-passengers-as-it-enforces-fares/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Until 2021, fare inspectors and transit police officers on the 1&nbsp;Line checked fares and issued warnings or a $124 citation to passengers who did not present a valid form of payment.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=July 8, 2014 |title=Shooting brings attention to light rail's fare inspection force |page=A1 |work=The Seattle Times |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2024016225_fareinspectorsxml.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918154233/http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2024016225_fareinspectorsxml.html |archive-date=September 18, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=August 12, 2009 |title=Link's ticket system confounds light-rail riders |page=A1 |work=The Seattle Times |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2009642729_stfares12m.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222083108/http://old.seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2009642729_stfares12m.html |archive-date=February 22, 2018}}</ref> The penalties for non-paying riders were suspended due to racial disparities and late replaced in 2022 with a new program of fare ambassadors.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kroman |first=David |date=April 28, 2022 |title=Sound Transit eases fare enforcement amid equity concerns |work=The Seattle Times |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-eases-fare-enforcement-amid-equity-concerns/ |accessdate=September 17, 2022 |archive-date=September 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920172053/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-eases-fare-enforcement-amid-equity-concerns/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=September 2, 2022 |title=Sound Transit goes all-in on a gentler kind of fare enforcement |work=The Seattle Times |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-goes-all-in-on-a-gentler-kind-of-fare-enforcement/ |accessdate=September 17, 2022}}</ref>

Fares for the 1&nbsp;Line and 2&nbsp;Line are a flat rate of $3 for adults, $1 for passengers eligible for reduced fares, and free for people 18 years old or younger.<ref name="Fares">{{cite web |title=Fares |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/how-to-pay/fares |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=September 2, 2024 |archive-date=August 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240829012440/https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/how-to-pay/fares |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Times-LynnwoodFares">{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=August 30, 2024 |title=Light rail to Lynnwood starts today; so do flat fares, systemwide |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/light-rail-to-lynnwood-starts-today-so-do-flat-fares-systemwide/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=September 1, 2024 |archive-date=September 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901135706/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/light-rail-to-lynnwood-starts-today-so-do-flat-fares-systemwide/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The T&nbsp;Line has an adult fare of $2 and a reduced fare of $1. Reduced fares are available to elderly passengers, persons with disabilities, and low-income passengers enrolled in ORCA Lift.<ref name="Fares"/><ref>{{cite web |title=ORCA Lift |url=http://kingcounty.gov/depts/transportation/metro/fares-orca/orca-cards/lift.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930212912/http://kingcounty.gov/depts/transportation/metro/fares-orca/orca-cards/lift.aspx |archive-date=September 30, 2017 |publisher=King County Metro |access-date=September 17, 2017}}</ref> Transfers from other modes, including buses, [[King County Water Taxi|water taxis]], and [[Seattle Streetcar|streetcars]], are only accepted using ORCA cards.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lee |first=Jessica |date=May 22, 2017 |title=From ORCA cards to bus-driver behavior: questions and answers |page=B1 |work=The Seattle Times |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/from-orca-cards-to-bus-driver-behavior-you-have-questions-and-we-have-answers/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=September 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918110634/http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/from-orca-cards-to-bus-driver-behavior-you-have-questions-and-we-have-answers/ |archive-date=September 18, 2017}}</ref>

Since September 2022, fares for passengers under the age of 19 have been free as part of a statewide transit grant.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kroman |first=David |date=September 1, 2022 |title=Free transit starts today for most youths across WA |work=The Seattle Times |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/free-transit-starts-today-for-most-youths-across-wa/ |accessdate=October 31, 2022 |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031235445/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/free-transit-starts-today-for-most-youths-across-wa/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Prior to August 30, 2024, fares on the 1&nbsp;Line and 2&nbsp;Line were calculated based on distance traveled, ranging from $2.25 to $3.50 for adults.<ref name="Times-LynnwoodFares"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=December 15, 2023 |title=Sound Transit light rail to cost $3 a ride — for trips near or far |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-light-rail-to-cost-3-a-ride-for-trips-near-or-far/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=September 2, 2024}}</ref> ORCA card users were required to tap a reader before and after riding a train to calculate the fare;<ref>{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Matthew |date=September 24, 2015 |title=Q: Why do I need to tap on and tap off my ORCA card? |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/q-why-do-i-need-tap-and-tap-my-orca-card |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918110655/https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/q-why-do-i-need-tap-and-tap-my-orca-card |archive-date=September 18, 2017 |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=September 17, 2017}}</ref> the full fare of $3.50 was charged upon boarding and the difference was credited after the second tap.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 29, 2022 |title=All About Boarding |url=https://info.myorca.com/news/all-about-boarding/ |publisher=MyORCA |accessdate=September 1, 2024 |archive-date=September 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901185557/https://info.myorca.com/news/all-about-boarding/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A daily charge for parking at stations is also under consideration.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=September 26, 2023 |title=What fare is fair? Sound Transit wants your opinion |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/what-fare-is-fair-sound-transit-wants-your-opinion/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=September 27, 2023 |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926135414/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/what-fare-is-fair-sound-transit-wants-your-opinion/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Infrastructure==

The 1&nbsp;Line and 2&nbsp;Line are sometimes described as [[light metro]] lines due to their extensive use of grade separation and longer trainsets compared to other North American [[light rail]] systems.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=August 20, 2016 |title=Sound Transit's cost overruns for first phase hit about 86 percent |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transits-cost-overruns-for-first-phase-hit-about-86-percent/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=March 11, 2025}}</ref> Trains on these lines are operated and maintained by [[King County Metro]], who also run [[paratransit]] service along most of the corridors. The Central Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) in SODO is used to store, maintain, and clean trains during off-peak and overnight hours.<ref name="ST-TDP"/><ref>{{cite news |date=February 18, 2016 |title=Overnight cleaning and maintenance keeps Link running squeaky clean |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/overnight-cleaning-and-maintenance-keeps-link-running-squeaky-clean |work=The Platform |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119054238/https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/overnight-cleaning-and-maintenance-keeps-link-running-squeaky-clean |url-status=live }}</ref> The facility covers {{convert|26|acre|ha|1}} and is located between SODO and Beacon Hill stations. It opened in 2007 and has a capacity of 105 light rail vehicles, including nine bays inside the {{convert|162,000|sqft|sqm|adj=mid}} maintenance building that can hold 16 vehicles.<ref>{{cite report |date=September 2012 |title=Link Operations & Maintenance Satellite Facility: Core Light Rail System Plan Review |page=1 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/projects/OMSF/OMSF_Task_2.3B_Core_Light_Rail_System_Plan_Review.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 22, 2022 |archive-date=September 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910083741/http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/projects/OMSF/OMSF_Task_2.3B_Core_Light_Rail_System_Plan_Review.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |date=March 4, 2007 |title=ST opens state-of-the-art Link light rail Operations & Maintenance Facility |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/News-release-archive/OM-Dedication |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 22, 2022 |archive-date=September 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918110641/https://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/News-release-archive/OM-Dedication |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Cohen |first=Aubrey |date=June 16, 2009 |title=Here's where they fix the light rail trains |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Here-s-where-they-fix-the-light-rail-trains-1304591.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |accessdate=November 22, 2022 |archive-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118200739/https://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Here-s-where-they-fix-the-light-rail-trains-1304591.php |url-status=live }}</ref> A maintenance facility in Bellevue for the 2&nbsp;Line opened in 2021 with a capacity of 96 vehicles.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cunningham |first=Rachelle |date=May 19, 2021 |title=Fresh pics: New light rail base opens in Bellevue |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/fresh-pics-new-light-rail-base-opens-bellevue |work=The Platform |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 22, 2022 |archive-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123053716/https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/fresh-pics-new-light-rail-base-opens-bellevue |url-status=live }}</ref> T&nbsp;Line trains are directly operated by Sound Transit and maintained at a facility in Tacoma.<ref name="ST-TDP"/>

===Rolling stock===

{{As of|2024}}, the Link light rail system uses a total of 183 [[low-floor tram|low-floor]] light rail vehicles—175 for the 1&nbsp;Line and 8 for the T&nbsp;Line.<ref name="TDP2024"/> The 1&nbsp;Line fleet comprises two models, the Series&nbsp;1 by [[Kinki Sharyo|Kinkisharyo]]–[[Mitsui & Co.|Mitsui]] and the Series&nbsp;2 by [[Siemens Mobility]], that are both {{convert|95|ft|m}} long with a pair of operator cabs and an articulated center.<ref>{{cite web |author=Sound Transit Audit Division |date=April 29, 2022 |title=Internal Audit Report: Link Light Rail Service Event from November 26, 2021 |page=24 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/st_sharepoint/download/sites/PRDA/FinalRecords/2022/Report%20-%20November%2026%20Incident%20%20Full%20Audit%20Report.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119054252/https://www.soundtransit.org/st_sharepoint/download/sites/PRDA/FinalRecords/2022/Report%20-%20November%2026%20Incident%20%20Full%20Audit%20Report.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Both models are able to run in four-car consists but do not have cross-compatibility.<ref name="Times-Crowded"/><ref name="Times-Siemens">{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=June 19, 2019 |title=Sound Transit shows off its new, roomier light-rail cars. They'll go into service next year. |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-shows-off-its-new-roomier-light-rail-cars-theyll-go-into-service-next-year/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118200639/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-shows-off-its-new-roomier-light-rail-cars-theyll-go-into-service-next-year/ |url-status=live }}</ref> All Link vehicles allow for level boarding and feature accessible seating areas that can be [[folding seat|folded up]] for wheelchair users.<ref name="Accessibility"/> Link uses [[positive train control]] and train-to-wayside communication to prevent operators from exceeding the set speed limit for a given section. Trains also have [[transit signal priority]] on at-grade sections.<ref name="SafetyPlan"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=May 27, 2015 |title=State finally getting satellite-based train controls, 20 years after fatal crash |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/tracking-washington-states-train-safety/ |url-access=limited |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117105635/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/tracking-washington-states-train-safety/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By 2025, the Link fleet will have 214 total vehicles for use on the 1&nbsp;Line and 2&nbsp;Line as well as five for the T&nbsp;Line.<ref>{{cite news |last=Guevara |first=Natalie |date=June 19, 2019 |title=Wider center, digital signs: Improvements abound in new Sound Transit light rail cars |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/Wider-center-digital-signs-Improvements-coming-14019921.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |accessdate=December 31, 2022 |archive-date=December 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231072944/https://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/Wider-center-digital-signs-Improvements-coming-14019921.php |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="MTM-Hilltop">{{cite news |date=April 27, 2022 |title=First new light-rail vehicle unveiled for Sound Transit's Hilltop Tacoma Link |url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/vehicles/press-release/21265696/sound-transit-first-new-lightrail-vehicle-unveiled-for-sound-transits-hilltop-tacoma-link |work=Mass Transit Magazine |accessdate=November 22, 2022 |archive-date=April 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429194600/https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/vehicles/press-release/21265696/sound-transit-first-new-lightrail-vehicle-unveiled-for-sound-transits-hilltop-tacoma-link |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Series&nbsp;1 fleet of 62&nbsp;cars, manufactured in [[Osaka]] and assembled in Everett, was divided into three orders beginning with a contract signed in 2003.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pryne |first=Eric |date=November 25, 2003 |title=Sound Transit picks Japanese firm to build train cars for light-rail line |page=B3 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20031125/sound25m/sound-transit-picks-japanese-firm-to-build-train-cars-for-light-rail-line |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=September 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918154253/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20031125&slug=sound25m |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Velush |first=Lukas |date=May 22, 2007 |title=Rail cars finished in Everett |work=[[The Everett Herald]] |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/07/05/22/100loc_b1rail001.cfm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070524112643/http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/07/05/22/100loc_b1rail001.cfm |archive-date=May 24, 2007 |accessdate=November 18, 2022}}</ref> The first vehicle was delivered in November 2006 for the Central Link project and was followed by deliveries for the SeaTac/Airport and University Link extensions that concluded in 2011; each unit was valued at $4.2&nbsp;million in 2014.<ref>{{cite press release |date=December 17, 2006 |title=Sound Transit unveils first Central Link light rail vehicle |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/sound-transit-unveils-first-central-link-light-rail |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119054302/https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/sound-transit-unveils-first-central-link-light-rail |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="TDP-2014">{{cite web |date=October 23, 2014 |title=Transit Development Plan 2014–2019 and 2013 Annual Report |page=31 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/newsroom/transitdevelopmentplan2014-2019and2013annualreport.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119054250/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/newsroom/transitdevelopmentplan2014-2019and2013annualreport.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Each car has 74 seats and a capacity of 194 passengers during normal loads, with a maximum "[[crush load]]" of 252 people;<ref name="Times-Crowded"/> the layout is 70&nbsp;percent low floor with raised sections at each end that are accessed via stairs. Railcars include four doors on each side, a wheelchair area, and two bicycle hooks above [[luggage]] storage areas.<ref name="OpsPlan">{{cite report |date=July 29, 2008 |title=Central Link Operations Plan&nbsp;– Westlake to SeaTac/Airport |pages=18–21 |url=http://www.globaltelematics.com/pitf/SoundTransitCentralLinkOpsPlan.7.29.08.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924022530/http://www.globaltelematics.com/pitf/SoundTransitCentralLinkOpsPlan.7.29.08.pdf |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |accessdate=November 18, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=June 2017 |title=Bicycle Riders Guide |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/bicycle-riders-guide.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=September 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918110708/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/bicycle-riders-guide.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The trains have a top speed of {{convert|58|mph}}, but typically operate at {{convert|35|mph|kph|abbr=on}} on surface sections and {{convert|55|mph|kph|abbr=on}} on elevated and tunneled sections.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 2015 |title=Technical Data: Seattle, WA&nbsp;– Sound Transit |url=http://www.kinkisharyo.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/ST.pdf |publisher=[[Kinki Sharyo|Kinkisharyo International]] |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=September 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906042306/http://www.kinkisharyo.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/ST.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 10, 2009 |title=The Light-Rail Train |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2009/07/10/2009450350.pdf |work=The Seattle Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826104804/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2009/07/10/2009450350.pdf |archive-date=August 26, 2017 |accessdate=November 18, 2022}}</ref>

The Series&nbsp;2 fleet, retroactively designated the [[Siemens S700 and S70|Siemens S700]],<ref>{{cite press release |date=May 2021 |title=Siemens Mobility S700 helps Seattle serve its booming ridership with modern style and sustainability |url=https://www.mobility.siemens.com/us/en/company/newsroom/press-releases/siemens-s700-helps-seattle-serve-its-booming-ridership.html |publisher=[[Siemens Mobility]] |accessdate=November 18, 2022}}</ref> was commissioned in 2016 as part of a $642&nbsp;million order to support the ST2 expansion program. The vehicles were manufactured in [[Sacramento, California]], and are the same length and width as the Series&nbsp;1 fleet, but feature a wider aisle in the articulated section, improved passenger information displays, and larger windows.<ref name="Times-Siemens"/><ref name="ST-Series2">{{cite press release |date=May 14, 2021 |title=First new Link light rail vehicles enter passenger service |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/first-new-link-light-rail-vehicles-enter-passenger-service |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119054243/https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/first-new-link-light-rail-vehicles-enter-passenger-service |url-status=live }}</ref> Delivery of the S700s began in June 2019 and the first vehicle entered service in May 2021.<ref name="Times-Siemens"/> The final car in the initial 152-car order is planned to be delivered by 2026; an additional 10 cars were ordered in 2023 and are scheduled to be delivered in 2027.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Zhou |first1=Amanda |last2=Lindblom |first2=Mike |date=January 20, 2024 |title=Sound Transit reopens U District station after Israel-Hamas war protest |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/sound-transit-closes-u-district-station-ahead-of-planned-protest/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

In 2022, Sound Transit began planning specifications for a Series&nbsp;3 that would have approximately 106 vehicles. It is expected to begin delivery in 2029 and be complete in 2032 for the first batch of ST3 projects.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 26, 2022 |title=Sound Transit Resolution No. R2022-12 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/st_sharepoint/download/sites/PRDA/ActiveDocuments/Resolution%20R2022-12.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119054251/https://www.soundtransit.org/st_sharepoint/download/sites/PRDA/ActiveDocuments/Resolution%20R2022-12.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Series&nbsp;3 light rail vehicles would be either {{convert|95|ft|m}} long or {{convert|190|ft|m}} long depending on the selected configuration.<ref name="ST-APRR">{{cite web |date=October 2024 |title=2024 Annual Program Review Report |pages=28–31, 54 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/BAPR-annual-program-review-2024.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=December 27, 2024}}</ref>

The T&nbsp;Line fleet consists of eight low-floor articulated streetcars that are {{convert|66|ft|m|2}} long, {{convert|8|ft|m|2}} wide, and have two articulation joints at each end of the low-floor section.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 1, 2001 |title=Skoda breaks into the urban market |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/skoda-breaks-into-the-urban-market.html |work=[[Railway Gazette International]] |accessdate=November 22, 2022 |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412081739/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/skoda-breaks-into-the-urban-market.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The first fleet of three [[Škoda 10 T]] streetcars were manufactured in the [[Czech Republic]] by [[Škoda Transportation]] and delivered in 2003.<ref>{{cite press release |date=July 25, 2002 |title=The Tacoma Link Light Rail Vehicles are Coming! |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/tacoma-link-light-rail-vehicles-are-coming |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 18, 2022}}</ref> Each Škoda car has 30 seats and can carry an additional 85 standing passengers at crush loads.<ref>{{cite press release |date=July 25, 2002 |title=The Tacoma Link Light Rail Vehicles are Coming! |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/tacoma-link-light-rail-vehicles-are-coming |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 22, 2022 |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119054303/https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/tacoma-link-light-rail-vehicles-are-coming |url-status=live }}</ref> A set of five [[Brookville Liberty Modern Streetcar|Brookville Liberty]] streetcars were ordered in 2017 and delivered in 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last=Metzger |first=Katie |date=March 30, 2022 |title=Fresh pics: New light rail vehicle arrives in Tacoma |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/fresh-pics-new-light-rail-vehicle-arrives-tacoma |work=The Platform |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119054300/https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/fresh-pics-new-light-rail-vehicle-arrives-tacoma |url-status=live }}</ref> The Brookville Liberty streetcars each have 26 seats and can carry a total of 100 passengers.<ref name="MTM-Hilltop"/><ref>{{cite press release |date=November 10, 2022 |title=Final new light rail vehicle arrives for Hilltop Tacoma link |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/final-new-light-rail-vehicle-arrives-hilltop-tacoma-link |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 22, 2022}}</ref>

===Electricity===

Trains are supplied electricity through an [[Overhead line|overhead catenary]] that is energized at 1,500 [[volt]]s [[direct current]] for the 1&nbsp;Line and 700 volts for the T&nbsp;Line. The current is converted to [[Three-phase electric power|three-phase]] [[alternating current]] through on-board [[inverter]]s. The 1&nbsp;Line's use of 1,500 V allowed for a reduced number of [[electrical substation]]s, which are spaced approximately {{convert|1|mi|km|1|spell=in}} apart.<ref name="OpsPlan"/><ref>{{cite journal |last=Middleton |first=William D. |author-link=William D. Middleton |date=April 1, 2006 |title=Sound Transit builds for LRT: Projected growth over the next 25 years is driving the Seattle region's rapid push to expand light rail. |journal=Railway Age |location=Chicago, Illinois |publisher=[[Simmons-Boardman Publishing]] |pages=43–45 |issn=0033-8826 |oclc=1586268 |url=http://www.railwayage.com/B/feature2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060502105012/http://www.railwayage.com/B/feature2.html |archive-date=May 2, 2006 |accessdate=November 18, 2022}}</ref>

Since December 2020, the Link light rail system has been running fully on [[carbon emissions]]-free [[renewable energy]] through [[Puget Sound Energy]]'s [[wind electricity]] purchase program and [[Seattle City Light]]'s fully carbon-neutral power supply.<ref>{{cite press release |date=December 1, 2020 |title=Sound Transit light rail trains are now running on clean energy |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/sound-transit-light-rail-trains-are-now-running-clean |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=December 1, 2020}}</ref>

==Future expansion==
[[File:Link light rail geographic map.svg|thumb|right|Map of routes and stations in operation and under construction as of 2025]]
[[File:Redmond Technology Station under construction, Sept. 2019.jpg|thumb|right|[[Redmond Technology station]] on the [[2 Line (Sound Transit)|2 Line]] under construction in 2019]]

The Link light rail system is planned to be expanded to {{convert|116|mi|km}} with five lines and 70 stations by 2044.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 2019 |title=Pierce County 2019 Regional Report |page=8 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/regional-report-pierce-county-201901.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=August 16, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Times-Shortfall2021">{{cite news |last1=Lindblom |first1=Mike |last2=Baruchman |first2=Michelle |date=August 15, 2021 |title=Sound Transit faces a $6.5 billion shortfall. Here's what it might do |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-faces-a-6-5-billion-shortfall-heres-what-it-might-do/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 14, 2022 |archive-date=August 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815165305/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-faces-a-6-5-billion-shortfall-heres-what-it-might-do/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The future system is anticipated to serve 750,000 daily passengers at full build-out and cost up to $131&nbsp;billion.<ref name="Times-Shortfall2021"/> The expansions are primarily funded through local taxes passed by voters in a pair of multimodal transit [[referendum|ballot measure]]s. The [[Sound Transit 2]] (ST2) package, passed in 2008, funded several extensions to be finished by 2026, including three that opened between 2016 and 2021.<ref name="Times-Delays2022">{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=August 18, 2022 |title=More delays for light rail to Bellevue, Redmond, Federal Way, Lynnwood |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/more-delays-for-light-rail-to-bellevue-redmond-federal-way-lynnwood/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=August 18, 2022 |archive-date=August 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818234309/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/more-delays-for-light-rail-to-bellevue-redmond-federal-way-lynnwood/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Haglund |first=Noah |date=August 24, 2017 |title=Light rail to Lynnwood: $500M over budget, behind schedule |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/light-rail-to-lynnwood-500m-over-budget-behind-schedule/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119064238/https://www.heraldnet.com/news/light-rail-to-lynnwood-500m-over-budget-behind-schedule/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Sound Transit 3]] (ST3) was approved in 2016 and funded new extensions of Link that will open between 2024 and 2046, including projects in Pierce and Snohomish counties.<ref name="Times-Delays2022"/> Several deferred or truncated projects from ST2 were also funded and accelerated by the ST3 plan.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=November 3, 2016 |title=Still deciding on Sound Transit 3? Here's a Q&A |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-3-proposal-down-to-the-wire/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 14, 2022 |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115062813/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-3-proposal-down-to-the-wire/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Since 2016, the original timelines for both expansion packages have been modified due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], labor shortages, and construction issues. Sound Transit adopted a "realignment plan" in 2021 that delayed most projects by two to five years, primarily to address a $6.5&nbsp;billion shortfall in projected revenue that would be needed to avoid reaching a state-imposed debt limit by 2029.<ref name="Times-Shortfall2021"/> The cost estimate for the largest project in the ST3 package, the West Seattle/Ballard Link Extension, increased by 50&nbsp;percent between 2019 and 2021, reaching $12&nbsp;billion due to higher property values and lower revenue amid the pandemic.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 7, 2021 |title=Increased project cost estimates presented to Sound Transit Board Executive Committee |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/increased-project-cost-estimates-presented-to-sound-transit-board-executive-committee |work=The Platform |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118081724/https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/increased-project-cost-estimates-presented-to-sound-transit-board-executive-committee |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Craighead |first=Callie |date=January 11, 2021 |title=Estimated cost of West Seattle-Ballard link extension increases by 50% |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/west-seattle-ballard-link-extension-increase-15862292.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117215151/https://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/west-seattle-ballard-link-extension-increase-15862292.php |url-status=live }}</ref> A set of new delays, mainly affecting Sound Transit 2 projects, was announced in 2022 following a four-month regional [[labor strike|strike]] by concrete truck drivers, as well as unexpected conditions discovered during work.<ref name="Times-Delays2022"/>

All five lines are planned to connect at various hubs and interline in some areas to increase frequency in high-demand corridors. Upon completion of several planned extensions in the 2020s and 2030s, the 1&nbsp;Line would run from Tacoma Dome Station to Downtown Seattle, where it would use a new tunnel, and continue northwest to [[Ballard, Seattle|Ballard]]. The 2&nbsp;Line and 3&nbsp;Line would interline from the existing Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel on the existing 1&nbsp;Line corridor to Snohomish County, sharing tracks as far north as Mariner in southern Everett. The 3&nbsp;Line would continue south to [[West Seattle, Seattle|West Seattle]] and north to Downtown Everett, while the 2&nbsp;Line serves Bellevue and Redmond.<ref name="ST-WestSeattleBallard-DEIS">{{cite web |date=January 2022 |title=West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions Draft Environmental Impact Statement Executive Summary |page=ES{{hyphen}}2 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/0-wsble-drafteis-executivesummary-202201.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 17, 2022 |archive-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118072629/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/0-wsble-drafteis-executivesummary-202201.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ST-NamingFAQ">{{cite web |date=April 2020 |title=Transit line naming: Frequently asked questions (FAQs) |pages=1, 4, 7 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/sound-transit-line-naming-faq.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 17, 2022 |archive-date=August 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812212232/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/sound-transit-line-naming-faq.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The 4&nbsp;Line, connecting Kirkland to Issaquah, would interline with the 2&nbsp;Line in Downtown Bellevue.<ref name="FutureMap">{{cite map |date=March 2022 |title=Sound Transit future service |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/st-future-service-map.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 17, 2022 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101003412/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/st-future-service-map.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition to the new lines, three [[infill station]]s in Seattle are planned to be built by 2031 at Boeing Access Road, Graham, and [[NE 130th Street station|Northeast 130th Street]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Engelson |first=Andrew |date=August 5, 2021 |title=Sound Transit Approves Plan that Accelerates Timeline for Seattle Stations, Addresses Funding Gap |url=https://www.thestranger.com/slog/2021/08/05/60038959/sound-transit-approves-plan-that-accelerates-timeline-for-seattle-stations-addresses-funding-gap |work=[[The Stranger (newspaper)|The Stranger]] |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=December 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204165937/https://www.thestranger.com/slog/2021/08/05/60038959/sound-transit-approves-plan-that-accelerates-timeline-for-seattle-stations-addresses-funding-gap |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2023, the [[Seattle Department of Transportation]] published its 20-year city transportation plan that included proposals for additional Link light rail lines. These include an east–west connection between Ballard and the [[University District, Seattle|University District]]; a northern extension from Ballard to Northgate and [[Lake City, Seattle|Lake City]]; a line serving [[Aurora Avenue North]]; a line serving [[Denny Way]]; a line that follows 23rd Avenue; and additional connections from [[Tukwila International Boulevard station]] to West Seattle and SoDo.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 25, 2023 |title=Denny Way and 23rd Ave light rail lines? 20-year Seattle Transportation Plan taking shape |url=https://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2023/08/denny-way-and-23rd-ave-light-rail-lines-20-year-seattle-transportation-plan-taking-shape/ |work=Capitol Hill Seattle Blog |accessdate=September 1, 2023 |archive-date=September 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902053721/https://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2023/08/denny-way-and-23rd-ave-light-rail-lines-20-year-seattle-transportation-plan-taking-shape/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2 Line (Mariner–Redmond)===
{{main|2 Line (Sound Transit)}}

The [[2 Line (Sound Transit)|2&nbsp;Line]] is scheduled to be extended once more in early 2026 with the opening of a section from Seattle to Bellevue with a station serving Mercer Island.<ref name="Times-2LineOpening"/><ref name="Times-EastsideNext"/> A series of construction issues with the Interstate 90 section has caused the line to be split into separate phases, beginning with an initial segment in April 2024 from [[South Bellevue station]] to [[Redmond Technology station]] in Overlake.<ref name="Times-ELSLDate"/><ref name="Times-EastStarter">{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=August 24, 2023 |title=Eastside-only light rail should open in March, Sound Transit says |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/eastside-only-light-rail-should-open-march-2024-sound-transit-says/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=August 24, 2023 |archive-date=August 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824234912/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/eastside-only-light-rail-should-open-march-2024-sound-transit-says/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The 2&nbsp;Line is planned to continue north from Seattle to Lynnwood and southern Everett by sharing tracks with the 1&nbsp;Line (and later the 3&nbsp;Line).<ref name="FutureMap"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=November 9, 2022 |title=An Eastside-only light-rail line? Here's why it might happen |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/an-eastside-only-light-rail-line-heres-why-it-might-happen/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 17, 2022 |archive-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118091907/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/an-eastside-only-light-rail-line-heres-why-it-might-happen/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The western half of the East Link Extension is being built in the [[Road median|median]] of [[Interstate 90 in Washington|Interstate 90]], including a section on a [[pontoon bridge|floating bridge]] that would be first railway of its kind in the world.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=May 14, 2017 |title=World's first light rail on a floating bridge: For I-90, Sound Transit had to invent 'a brilliant solution' |page=A1 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/light-rail-track-floating-bridge-i-90-sound-transit/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 17, 2022 |archive-date=September 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902142331/http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/light-rail-track-floating-bridge-i-90-sound-transit/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===3 Line (Everett–West Seattle)===
{{main|3 Line (Sound Transit)}}

The [[3 Line (Sound Transit)|3&nbsp;Line]] is planned to open in 2032 with the completion of the [[West Seattle Link Extension]], which would connect [[West Seattle, Seattle|West Seattle]] to an interim terminus at [[SODO station (Sound Transit)|SODO station]]. The line would be extended north to replace the 1&nbsp;Line following the completion of the [[Ballard Link Extension]] in 2037, which would include a new {{convert|3.3|mi|km|adj=mid}} tunnel in Downtown Seattle for trains arriving from the Rainier Valley.<ref name="ST-WestSeattleBallard-DEIS"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=January 24, 2022 |title=Rolling in the deep: Sound Transit's downtown Seattle tunnel would bring riders 145 feet below the street |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/rolling-in-the-deep-sound-transit-riders-would-descend-nine-levels-downtown/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 17, 2022 |archive-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118072627/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/rolling-in-the-deep-sound-transit-riders-would-descend-nine-levels-downtown/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The final terminus of the 3&nbsp;Line is planned to be [[Everett Station]], a multimodal hub in Downtown Everett, upon completion of the [[Everett Link Extension]] in 2037 or 2041 depending on funding.<ref>{{cite news |last=Watanabe |first=Ben |date=December 8, 2021 |title=City of Everett outlines light rail priorities for 2037 |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/city-of-everett-outlines-light-rail-priorities-for-2037/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=November 17, 2022 |archive-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118072628/https://www.heraldnet.com/news/city-of-everett-outlines-light-rail-priorities-for-2037/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |year=2021 |title=Everett Link Extension fact sheet |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/EVLE-fact-sheet-fall-2021-english.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 17, 2022 |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202071520/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/EVLE-fact-sheet-fall-2021-english.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

===4 Line (South Kirkland–Issaquah)===

The 4&nbsp;Line, the fifth Link light rail line, is scheduled to open in 2041 or 2044, depending on funding availability, and would only serve the Eastside. The line is planned to run from the [[Kirkland, Washington|South Kirkland]] park-and-ride towards [[Downtown Bellevue]], where it would interline with the 2&nbsp;Line, and continue along Interstate 90 to [[Issaquah, Washington|Issaquah]].<ref name="ST-Line4">{{cite web |title=South Kirkland–Issaquah Link |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/system-expansion/south-kirkland-issaquah-link |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 17, 2022 |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115190214/https://www.soundtransit.org/system-expansion/south-kirkland-issaquah-link |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lindblom |first1=Mike |last2=Baruchman |first2=Michelle |date=July 8, 2019 |title=Could Sound Transit build light rail faster? It wouldn't be easy. |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/could-sound-transit-build-light-rail-faster-it-wouldnt-be-easy/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 17, 2022 |archive-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118075628/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/could-sound-transit-build-light-rail-faster-it-wouldnt-be-easy/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It is planned to include four new stations and total {{convert|11.8|mi|km}} in length;<ref name="ST-Line4"/> an earlier proposal for the line continued on the [[Cross Kirkland Corridor]] to a terminus in Downtown Kirkland but was not included in the ST3 plan due to opposition from local residents.<ref>{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Lynn |date=April 26, 2016 |title=Kirkland, Renton leaders want more from Sound Transit 3 package |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/eastside/kirkland-renton-leaders-want-more-from-sound-transit-3-package/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118083840/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/eastside/kirkland-renton-leaders-want-more-from-sound-transit-3-package/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Howard |first=John William |date=March 30, 2016 |title=Draft plan for ST3 does not include transit on Kirkland trail |url=https://www.kirklandreporter.com/news/draft-plan-for-st3-does-not-include-transit-on-kirkland-trail/ |work=[[Kirkland Reporter]] |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118085340/https://www.kirklandreporter.com/news/draft-plan-for-st3-does-not-include-transit-on-kirkland-trail/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Future segments===

Some figures and dates are provisional due to quality control, geological risk, and labor issues that have caused delays in some projects.<ref name="Times-Delays2022"/><ref>{{cite web |date=August 17, 2022 |title=Action plans to address current Link construction risks |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/link-construction-issues-memo-20220818.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=August 30, 2022 |archive-date=August 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831000025/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/link-construction-issues-memo-20220818.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|+ List of Link light rail expansion projects
|-
! scope="col" | Project<ref name="Progress-Sep2022">{{cite web |date=September 2022 |title=Agency Progress Report, Capital Programs |page=10 |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/agency-progress-report-capital-program-september-2022.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119063255/https://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/agency-progress-report-capital-program-september-2022.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
! scope="col" | Line(s)<ref name="FutureMap"/>
! scope="col" | Status<ref name="ST-APRR"/><ref>{{cite web |title=System expansion |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/system-expansion |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118084627/https://www.soundtransit.org/system-expansion |url-status=live }}</ref>
! scope="col" class="unsortable" colspan=2 |Termini<ref name="FutureMap"/>
! scope="col" | Length<ref name="Progress-Sep2022"/>
! scope="col" | New stations<ref name="FutureMap"/>
! scope="col" | Expected opening<ref name="ST-APRR"/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[East Link Extension]]
| {{nowrap|{{Rail icon|Sound Transit|2 Line|size=20|name=y}}}}
| style="text-align:center; background:#9EFF9E"| Under construction
| {{stn|International District/Chinatown}}
| {{stn|South Bellevue}}
| style="text-align:center"| {{convert|4|mi|km}}
| style="text-align:center"| 2
| style="text-align:center"| 2026
|-
! scope="row" | [[Federal Way Link Extension]]
| {{nowrap|{{Rail icon|Sound Transit|1 Line|size=20|name=y}}}}
| style="text-align:center; background:#9EFF9E"| Under construction
| {{stn|Angle Lake}}
| {{stn|Federal Way Downtown}}
| style="text-align:center"| {{convert|7.8|mi|km}}
| style="text-align:center"| 3
| style="text-align:center"| 2026
|-
! scope="row" | [[West Seattle Link Extension]]
| {{nowrap|{{Rail icon|Sound Transit|3 Line|size=20|name=y}}}}
| style="text-align:center; background:#FFCD93"| Environmental review
| {{stl|Sound Transit|SODO}}
| {{stn|Alaska Junction}}
| style="text-align:center"| {{convert|4.7|mi|km}}
| style="text-align:center"| 3
| style="text-align:center"| 2032
|-
! scope="row" | [[Tacoma Dome Link Extension]]
| {{nowrap|{{Rail icon|Sound Transit|1 Line|size=20|name=y}}}}
| style="text-align:center; background:#FFCD93"| Environmental review
| {{stn|Federal Way Downtown}}
| {{STN|Tacoma Dome|x}}
| style="text-align:center"| {{convert|9.7|mi|km}}
| style="text-align:center"| 4
| style="text-align:center"| 2035
|-
! scope="row" | [[Ballard Link Extension]]
| {{nowrap|{{Rail icon|Sound Transit|1 Line|size=20|name=y}}}}
| style="text-align:center; background:#FFCD93"| Environmental review
| {{stn|International District/Chinatown}}
| {{stn|Ballard}}
| style="text-align:center"| {{convert|7.1|mi|km}}
| style="text-align:center"| 8
| style="text-align:center"| 2037 to 2039
|-
! scope="row" | [[Everett Link Extension]]
| {{nowrap|{{Rail icon|Sound Transit|3 Line|size=20|name=y}}}}
| style="text-align:center; background:#FFD"| Planned
| {{stn|Lynnwood City Center}}
| {{stn|Everett|x}}
| style="text-align:center"| {{convert|16.3|mi|km}}
| style="text-align:center"| 6–7<!--(1 provisional)-->
| style="text-align:center"| 2037 to 2041
|-
! scope="row" | [[T Line (Sound Transit)#Tacoma Community College Extension|TCC Tacoma Link Extension]]
| {{nowrap|{{Rail icon|Sound Transit|T Line|size=20|name=y}}}}
| style="text-align:center; background:#FFD"| Planned
| {{stl|Sound Transit|St. Joseph}}
| [[Tacoma Community College]]
| style="text-align:center"| {{convert|3.5|mi|km}}<ref>{{cite web |title=TCC Tacoma Link Extension |url=https://www.soundtransit.org/system-expansion/tcc-tacoma-link-extension |publisher=Sound Transit |accessdate=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119065411/https://www.soundtransit.org/system-expansion/tcc-tacoma-link-extension |url-status=live }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center"| 6
| style="text-align:center"| 2039 or 2041
|-
! scope="row" | [[South Kirkland–Issaquah Link Extension]]
| {{nowrap|{{Rail icon|Sound Transit|4 Line|size=20|name=y}}}}
| style="text-align:center; background:#FFD"| Planned
| [[Kirkland, Washington|South Kirkland]]
| [[Issaquah, Washington|Issaquah]]
| style="text-align:center"| {{convert|11.8|mi|km}}<ref name="ST-Line4"/>
| style="text-align:center"| 4
| style="text-align:center"| 2041 or 2044
|}

==Land-use impacts==

An expressed purpose in building the Link light rail system has been to support a "smart growth" approach to handling the region's population growth and development.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metrokc.gov/kcdot/solutions/projects/link.cfm |title=Project Summary: LINK Light Rail |publisher=King County Department of Transportation |date= September 17, 2003 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061013102054/http://www.metrokc.gov/kcdot/solutions/projects/link.cfm |archive-date=October 13, 2006 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.psrc.org/publications/pubs/view/0701.htm Regional View Newsletter]. Puget Sound Regional Council. July 2001. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204131105/http://www.psrc.org/publications/pubs/view/0701.htm |date=December 4, 2008 }}</ref> By concentrating new development along light rail lines (a practice known as "[[transit-oriented development]]"), more people can live more densely without the increases in automotive commuting traffic that might otherwise be expected.<ref>Transit Cooperative Research Program. Research Results Digest. Oct 2002 - Number 52. [https://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/tcrp/tcrp_rrd_52.pdf Subject Area: VI Public Transit] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230808172359/https://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/tcrp/tcrp_rrd_52.pdf |date=August 8, 2023 }}. Robert Cervero, Christopher Ferrell, and Steven Murphy.</ref> In addition, the concentration of residents near stations helps maintain ridership and revenue. Climate change activists also point out that compact development around light rail lines has been shown to result in reductions in residents' {{co2}} emissions, compared to more conventional suburban automotive commutes.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Drawdown: the most comprehensive plan ever proposed to reverse global warming |date=2017 |publisher=Penguin Books |isbn=978-0-14-313044-4 |editor-last=Hawken |editor-first=Paul |location=New York, New York}}</ref>{{page needed|date=December 2024}}

Environmentalists, transportation groups and some affordable housing advocates have sought greater government regulatory support for transit-oriented development along Link light rail, and in 2009 a bill was introduced in the Washington State Legislature that would have raised allowable densities (as well as lowering parking requirements and easing some other regulations on development) to a minimum of 50 units per acre in station areas.<ref>{{cite news |last=Carlton Harrell |first=Debera |date=February 17, 2009 |title=Transit zoning bill gets remake |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/transit-zoning-bill-gets-remake-1300465.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |accessdate=December 15, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Jennifer |date=February 17, 2009 |title=Neighborhoods say state shouldn't dictate development near Sound Transit light-rail stations |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/neighborhoods-say-state-shouldnt-dictate-development-near-sound-transit-light-rail-stations/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=December 15, 2024}}</ref> It failed to pass during the 2009 and 2010 sessions.<ref>{{cite news |last=Carlton Harrell |first=Debera |date=March 13, 2009 |title=Light rail bills fail to make cutoff |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/light-rail-bills-fail-to-make-cutoff-1302506.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |accessdate=December 15, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Bertolet |first=Dan |date=June 2, 2010 |title=A Carbon Neutrality Reality Check For Seattle |url=https://www.seattlemet.com/news-and-city-life/2010/06/a-carbon-neutrality-reality-check-for-seattle |work=Seattle Met |accessdate=December 15, 2024}}</ref>

As part of the enabling legislation for Sound Transit 3 in 2016, the Washington State Legislature mandated that Sound Transit reserve surplus land surrounding light rail stations for affordable housing developments.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cohen |first=Josh |date=May 8, 2018 |title=Seattle Raises the Equity Bar on Transit-Oriented Development |url=https://nextcity.org/daily/entry/seattle-raises-the-equity-bar-on-transit-oriented-development |work=Next City |access-date=March 27, 2019 |archive-date=April 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406134343/https://nextcity.org/daily/entry/seattle-raises-the-equity-bar-on-transit-oriented-development |url-status=live }}</ref> The "80–80–80 rule" applies to 80 percent of surplus land around transit projects and mandates that it be offered to developers who designate 80 percent of residential units to residents who make 80 percent or less of the area median income. By 2024, the program had resulted in the creation of 2,670 affordable housing units out of 3,470 constructed.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=December 12, 2024 |title=This land handout will bring apartments to Lynnwood light rail station |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/this-land-handout-will-bring-apartments-to-lynnwood-light-rail-station/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=December 13, 2024}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Seattle Streetcar]]
* [[List of rail transit systems in the United States]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Link light rail}}
{{Attached KML |display=title,inline}}
* [https://www.soundtransit.org/ Sound Transit website]
** [https://www.soundtransit.org/system-expansion System expansion]

{{Puget Sound Transit}}
{{USLightRail}}

[[Category:Link light rail| ]]
[[Category:Sound Transit| ]]
[[Category:Light rail in Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Transportation in Seattle]]
[[Category:Railway services introduced in 2003]]
[[Category:2003 establishments in Washington (state)]]