Station design and access planning 

Sound Transit is working with cities to design the future TDLE stations and identify improvements that make it easier and safer for people to walk, bike, or roll to stations. We expect station and other design work to continue through 2029 and construction to begin in 2029.

Decorative illustration of a Link light rail station and riders of all ages and abilities. More details in the caption and description of station design below.
Station design includes the station and close surrounding area. Sound Transit designs these spaces so passengers can get to and from the train using any mode of travel.
Decorative illustration of a Sound Transit Express Bus and people walking, biking, and using mobility devices to get to or from the station. More details in caption and description of station access planning below.
Station access planning includes the area within an approximate 10-minute walking or biking distance from the station. Sound Transit and local partners improve this area so it’s easier and safer for people to get to the station.

What is station design?

Station design is where Sound Transit plans how a station functions and feels. This includes the following key station features that support passenger access, safety, and comfort:

  • Entrances and exits
  • Fare payment areas
  • Elevators, escalators, and stairs
  • Parking
  • Pickup and drop-off areas
  • Connections to other transit
  • Lighting
  • Signage
  • Art

What is station access planning?

Station access planning is a joint effort with our local partners (cities, tribes, and agencies) to identify and fund non-motorized improvement projects .

These projects are typically built by cities, with support from Sound Transit’s Non-Motorized Station Access Allowance funds and other funding sources. Funding is limited, meaning there may not be the resources to build all potential station access projects listed in this online open house. Public input informs our decisions on which projects to prioritize.

What we’ve heard so far

In fall 2020, we shared station design concepts and potential projects to improve non-motorized travel to future stations. We hosted an online open house (over 3,000 visitors), held 16 virtual briefings with community organizations, and received over 200 responses from the public. For more details about the outreach and feedback we heard, please read our Fall 2020 Engagement Summary. This feedback helped shape the station design and access planning process we have today.