Sound Transit’s board approved a pilot program Thursday to install and test fare gates at up to 14 stations on the Link 1 and 2 Lines.
Sound Transit’s board approved a pilot program Thursday to install and test fare gates at up to 14 stations on the Link 1 and 2 Lines, with installation preparation underway with plans to launch in 2029-2030.
The program is intended to improve fare compliance and increase farebox recovery as the light rail network expands, the agency said.
Link’s proof-of-payment system has operated without gates or turnstiles since the system opened.
The agency now operates more than 60 miles of light rail and 50 stations, with 39 additional stations planned through Sound Transit 3 expansions to West Seattle, Everett, Tacoma, Ballard and Issaquah.
The list of stations where fare gates will go up includes nine stations in the system’s core serving both the 1 and 2 Lines: International District/Chinatown, Pioneer Square, Symphony, Westlake, Capitol Hill, University of Washington, U District, Roosevelt, and Northgate stations.
An image of the list of stations where fare gates will be installed. (Sound Transit)It also includes line terminus stations Lynnwood City Center, Downtown Redmond, and Federal Way Downtown, plus SeaTac/Airport Station and Bellevue Downtown Station.
Sound Transit said earlier studies found that the cost of installing gates would exceed potential revenue gains when the system was smaller and served more street-level stations.
A study published earlier this year found that fare gates could reach a financial breakeven point about two to three years after installation, Sound Transit said.
The agency’s preliminary assessment estimated the gates could increase net fare revenue by between $32.8 million and $82.7 million annually.
A look at the Sound Transit Link light rail 2 Line station in Bellevue on April 29, 2024, two days after the grand opening. (KOMO News)Sound Transit’s policy calls for Link fare revenue to cover 22% of operating costs.
The agency said meeting that target is important amid continuing cost pressures.
The pilot will also examine whether gates improve passenger experience through increased safety and cleanliness, clearer wayfinding and crowd control during large events.
Sound Transit cited fare gate programs at SEPTA, BART, LA Metro and New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
The agency will begin contracting to manufacture, deliver and install the gates. It also plans public engagement and technology work ahead of the rollout.
Staff is expected to present a fare gate pilot evaluation framework, including goals and metrics, to the board for approval by the end of 2027.
