Light rail joins buses in transit tunnel for real-time testing

Passengers urged to stay safe around buses, trains

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Transit customers who use the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel (DSTT) will see both light rail trains and buses in the tunnel starting this week. They will also see more and more trains involved in final testing of the entire light rail system. But, they will have to wait just a bit longer to ride light rail while bus drivers and rail operators get two months of real-time experience.

Sound Transit will launch Link light rail passenger service between Tukwila and downtown Seattle on July 18. Over the past six months King County Metro Transit and Sound Transit have tested and simulated joint operations in the tunnel to ensure safe and reliable service for both systems. Now testing is expanding into hours when the tunnel is open for bus service.

There were numerous safety features to support joint operations as part of Sound Transit’s work to retrofit the tunnel for joint operations. A sophisticated signal system controls when buses and trains can enter the tunnel and its stations. Ventilation was upgraded. And, a computerized system was installed to allow staff in the Link Control Center to monitor all aspects of safety and operations throughout every segment of the 1.3-mile tunnel.

Drills were carried out by both transit agencies to test the system during late-night and weekend hours when the tunnel was closed to passengers. Now, the next step is to run buses and trains during regular operating hours – which will soon be expanded to nights and weekends. At the end of May, Metro will extend the operating hours in the DSTT. This is to prepare for start-up of light rail service in July, when trains will run 20 hours a day Monday through Saturday, and 18 hours on Sundays.

Here are some things to know about tunnel operations during the next two months:

•  Buses will continue to stop in the same locations at each of the five tunnel stations. Customers will board the bus at the same bays;

•  Light rail trains will not carry any passengers until July 18, but will be stopping at mid platform to simulate boarding during the weeks leading up to the launch. Initially trains will be arriving every 10 minutes in each direction at every tunnel station except Convention Place;

•  Buses and trains traveling in the same direction will be controlled by a signal system that is designed to keep a safe distance between the vehicles;

•  There could be some slight delays in bus service, as bus and rail staff become more familiar with using the new systems in real time;

•  Basic tunnel safety is still important. Never cross the tunnel roadway. On the platform, stand behind the yellow safety strip. Be careful of gaps between the platform and vehicles when boarding and exiting buses. If there is an emergency, which requires exiting the tunnel, use the stairways located in each station. Do not use the elevators or escalators, because they will be shut down in an emergency; and

•  Starting Saturday, May 30, the DSTT will be open from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. weekdays and Saturday, and from 6 a.m. to midnight on Sunday for all current tunnel bus routes. When the DSTT is closed, tunnel bus routes will operate on Second, Third, Fourth or Fifth avenues in downtown Seattle.

During the next two months, there will also be more activity on the portion of the new light rail line outside the tunnel. Sound Transit reminds motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists to be alert and keep the following precautions in mind:

•  Link trains are electric and very quiet. Stay alert around trains and tracks;

•  Only cross at designated crosswalks and signalized intersections, and never cross the DSTT roadway. Obey all traffic signs and signals;

•  Trains can travel in any direction, on any track, at any time, so always look both ways before crossing the tracks at designated crosswalks and signalized intersections. After a train passes, another train may be coming from the opposite direction;

•  Do not walk, stand, or park a vehicle on the tracks. Trains can arrive at any time;

•  Stay away from the track switches that are used to change train directions. These switches are very powerful and can move at any time without warning;

•  Trains may run at any time, day or night. Be alert and be safe;

•  Never race a train or try to beat it through an intersection; and

•  When crossing the tracks on a bicycle, always cross the tracks at a 90-degree angle to prevent your bicycle tires from getting stuck in the tracks.

For more information on Link safety, see: www.soundtransit.org/linksafety. For general information about the DSTT, see: http://metro.kingcounty.gov/tops/tunnel/tunnel.html. For more information about Link light rail launch on July 18, see: www.soundtransit.org/TravelLight