Sound Transit Expands Service for Seattle Pride Parade, Easing Travel Downtown
Sound Transit is bolstering its regional transit options this Sunday, June 29, to accommodate attendees of the seattle Pride Parade. The expanded service aims to alleviate traffic congestion and parking challenges for those traveling to and from the 11 a.m. parade, which will proceed thru downtown Seattle and conclude at Seattle Center.
Beat the Traffic: Sounder Trains Offer Direct Access
For parade-goers, Sound Transit‘s popular Sounder trains represent a convenient and efficient alternative to driving. Special service is being offered in addition to the agency’s regular Link light rail, ST Express, and King county Metro services.
- From Lakewood (S Line): Departs 8:11 a.m., arrives at King Street Station at 9:27 a.m.
- From everett (N Line): Departs 8:45 a.m., arrives at King Street station at 9:44 a.m.
- return to Lakewood: Departs King Street Station at 5:20 p.m.
- Return to Everett: Departs King Street Station at 5:15 p.m.
The inbound Sounder S Line train will depart Lakewood at 8:11 a.m., making stops at all stations along the S Line before arriving at King Street Station at 9:27 a.m. From the north, the Sounder N Line will depart Everett at 8:45 a.m., with stops in mukilteo and Edmonds, also arriving at King Street Station at 9:44 a.m. Return trains will depart King Street Station for Lakewood at 5:20 p.m. and for Everett at 5:15 p.m.
A comprehensive schedule of Sounder trains serving weekend events can be found at https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/event-service.
Beyond Sounder: A Network of Transit Options
Sound Transit offers a robust network of options for reaching the parade. The Link 1 Line operates every 10 minutes on weekends, serving 19 stations from Lynnwood to Angle Lake, including key stops in Shoreline, Northgate, the University District, Capitol Hill, and downtown Seattle.Passengers traveling from the Eastside can utilize the Link 2 Line to connect with bus routes serving Seattle.
Many ST Express and King County Metro buses also provide direct service to downtown Seattle. Detailed schedules for Link and ST Express routes are available at soundtransit.org/schedule, while King county Metro schedules can be found at kingcounty.gov/metro/schedules.
Simplify Your Ride with an ORCA Card
To streamline the boarding process, Sound Transit encourages riders to utilize an ORCA card. Thes reloadable cards cost $3 for adults and can be loaded with funds for individual fares or unlimited transit passes. ORCA LIFT fares are available for low-income adult passengers, and reduced fares are offered to seniors age 65+ and riders with disabilities holding a Regional Reduced Fare permit.
ORCA cards are accepted on trains, buses, and ferries throughout the Puget Sound region.More details about ORCA cards can be found at www.myORCA.com. A senior official stated that utilizing an ORCA card substantially reduces wait times at ticket vending machines.
- Cost: $3 for adults
- Reloadable for individual fares or unlimited passes
- Accepted on trains, buses, and ferries
- Reduces wait times at ticket vending machines
Plan Ahead for a Smooth Journey
Sound Transit reminds riders using an ORCA card to remember to tap on and off at all Sounder stations. Parking is available at all Sounder stations, and also at select Link stations including Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline, Angle Lake, Tukwila International Boulevard, and Northgate (Link 1 Line).Parking is also available at Marymoor Village, Redmond Technology, BelRed, and South Bellevue (Link 2 line) stations.
by leveraging these expanded transit options, attendees can focus on enjoying the Seattle pride Parade without the stress of traffic and parking.
Accessibility and Inclusion: Making Pride Accessible for All
Beyond simply providing more public transit, sound Transit and other agencies are committed to making the Seattle Pride Parade accessible for everyone. This involves more than just expanding service; it encompasses ensuring that transportation itself is inclusive and easy to use for individuals with disabilities and those who may face other mobility challenges. This commitment reflects core values of the Pride festivity itself: inclusivity, diversity, and respect for all members of the community.
Many accessibility features are built into Sound Transit’s services. This includes elevators,ramps,and tactile paving in stations to assist those with mobility or visual impairments. Furthermore, all Link light rail vehicles and many buses are equipped with designated spaces for wheelchairs and mobility devices. Real-time arrival data is available via apps and at stations,which is helpful for riders in planning their journeys and minimizing wait times.
For attendees needing additional assistance, consider the following:
- Reduced Fares: As mentioned earlier, ORCA LIFT provides lower fares for low-income riders, and reduced fares are available for seniors and riders with disabilities holding a Regional Reduced Fare permit. This makes Pride events more financially accessible.
- Travel Planning: Before you leave, consult Sound Transit’s website, or a transit planning app, to map your route and find the best accessible options. These tools often provide real-time updates regarding elevators and other accessibility features.
- Communication: The agencies also work to improve communication with riders. Many stations have visual and audio announcements, and customer service representatives are available to assist with any questions or needs.
- Seattle center Assistance: After arriving at Seattle Center, parade attendees can find accessible routes to where the parade concludes.
How can I ensure a smooth ride on the bus or train? Practice these steps to prepare your commute. Have your ORCA card ready and understand the route and stops.
Are there specific accommodations for people with disabilities? Yes, all Sound Transit services provide ramps, elevators, visual and audio announcements, and designated spaces for mobility devices.
Sound Transit actively works to improve accessibility on an ongoing basis. This means continuous upgrades to existing infrastructure and the integration of accessibility considerations into all new projects. This includes partnering with local disability advocacy groups to gather feedback and better understand the needs of the community, which informs the planning and execution of future transit plans. The goal is to provide a truly inclusive transit system,making sure everyone can participate fully in events like the Seattle Pride Parade.
