Sound Transit approves fare gate pilot at up to 14 Link stations

Key Points:

• Sound Transit’s board approved a pilot program to install fare gates at up to 14 stations on the Link 1 and 2 Lines, with installation planned for 2029-2030, aiming to improve fare compliance and increase farebox recovery.
• The fare gates will be installed at nine core stations serving both lines and five terminus stations, including International District/Chinatown, University of Washington, Northgate, Lynnwood City Center, and SeaTac/Airport.
• Previous studies indicated that fare gates were not cost-effective when the system was smaller, but a recent study projects gates could break even within two to three years and potentially increase net fare revenue by $32.8 million to $82.7 million annually.
• The pilot will also assess improvements in passenger experience, including safety, cleanliness, wayfinding, and crowd control, with public engagement and technology work planned before rollout.
• Sound Transit plans to present a fare gate pilot evaluation framework with goals and metrics to the board for approval by the end of 2027.