Seattle Light Rail Stations Get Arrival Clocks

SEATTLE, WA — It's about time: all Sound Transit light rail stops between Angle Lake and the University of Washington now have arrival clocks. The clocks will tell riders when the next three trains will arrive, and broadcast updates about major delays and disruptions.

The first leg of light rail opened between Sea-Tac and Westlake in 2008, but until now only the Capitol Hill and UW stations, the two newest in the system, had arrival clocks.

"The information, which had previously been available only at the Capitol Hill and University of Washington Link stations, informs riders of the anticipated arrival time for the next three trains. The information for the signs comes from the same source that provides information to the Capitol Hill and University of Washington stations," Sound Transit said in a statement Tuesday. "In addition, Sound Transit will have the ability to interrupt real-time arrival information to update riders in the event of a service disruption."

Up until this week, riders only got a two-minute warning about train arrivals over the intercoms at light rail stops. Service disruptions were broadcast on social media, or sometimes with physical signs placed at stations.

The new arrival clocks are only temporary. Sound Transit is planning to install a brand-new passenger information system in 2023, which is when the 14-mile East Link light rail line to Bellevue and Redmond opens. A new leg from UW to Northgate will open in 2021.