Beginning in 2026, leashed dogs will be allowed on Link light rail, Sounder commuter trains, and ST Express buses. The change marks a shift in Sound Transit’s policy, which currently requires non-service animals to be kept in carriers. It comes as the region prepares for the opening of Marymoor Village Station in Redmond, located near a popular off-leash dog park, and reflects how residents are increasingly integrating their pets into daily routines, including public transit use.
The agency says the new rules respond to rider demand. More people are using transit to visit parks, grooming appointments, and veterinary clinics. In that context, making space for dogs isn’t just a courtesy, it’s a recognition of the practical needs of everyday riders. As cities grow denser and car ownership declines among younger residents, policies like these reflect a transportation system adapting to broader lifestyle changes.