Sound Transit Approves Fare Gate Pilot at 14 Link Light Rail Stations
Seattle Today Newsroom
August 30, 2026
Sound Transit Approves Fare Gate Pilot at 14 Link Light Rail Stations
Picture Credit: Richard Melick
Sound Transit is moving ahead with plans to test fare gates at a number of Link light rail stations in the Seattle area. A trial program was approved by the transit agency’s board which will place gates at as many as 14 stations on Link 1 and 2 Lines. This program is expected to be implemented in 2029-2030. The light rail network is expanding, and efforts to enhance fare compliance and revenue collection will continue to grow.
Possible locations include major bus and rail intercepts at Westlake, Capitol Hill, the University of Washington, and Northgate, as well as several terminal stations: Lynnwood City Center, Federal Way Downtown, and Downtown Redmond. The pilot also entails Bellevue Downtown and SeaTac/Airport stations.
For years, Link light rail has used a proof-of-payment system, lacking physical barriers. Earlier studies said fare gates were not cost effective with fewer stations and riders in the system. As the network grows, however, new analysis predicts the investment could pay for itself in just a few years and produce an extra $40 million a year.
Along with increasing the fare collection, the pilot will assess the impact of the fare gates on the station’s safety, cleanliness, wayfinding, and crowd control at events, says Sound Transit. The agency will now move on to contracting, manufacturing and installation planning and create measures to assess the programs success.
