Delays, crowds, and smells: Seattle light rail construction continues
Work to repair damaged rails on Sound Transit's 1 Line is causing delays and overcrowding.
Salvador Aranda commutes daily on the train. He said he’s seen delays on his trip between Angle Lake and Westlake.
"If I miss the one that goes all the way straight, that puts me about 30 minutes behind on my arrival to work," Aranda said.
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"You can see there's a lot of people that are stressed because they don't know what's going on," he added. "Some of them are just completely clueless, like me, for the first few rides."
Riders with bikes, like a man who gave his name to KUOW as Stoney, may have an even tougher time getting on crowded trains.
Floyd Blanton is a frequent light rail rider who told KUOW his typical commute takes a matter of minutes. He knew the delays were coming, but wasn't expecting the capacity to be what it has been.
The line is scheduled to return to regular service on Feb. 5.
Until then, weekday trains are only running every 26 minutes through the downtown stations, between the Chinatown-International District and Capitol Hill stops.
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It's worse on weekends, when stations between Westlake and the Stadium District are closed entirely. Shuttle buses are available between those stops every 10 to 15 minutes.
Riders can check the limited schedule online, though arrival times are just an approximation, especially during peak hours, as riders are learning.
Construction hasn't been the only transit challenge; it's also making for unappealing conditions. Sound Transit officials said the work is noisy, dusty, and smelly at times. Air quality in the tunnel is safe, according to officials, but people with respiratory issues may find the fumes uncomfortable.
Sound Transit has asked everyone to "pack our patience" in the meantime.
Riders can find alternative line options and more information here.
