Line T (Sound Transit)
Line T | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() A Line T streetcar on Pacific Avenue | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Overview | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other name(s) | Tacoma Link Orange Line T Line | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Status | Operational | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Owner | Sound Transit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Locale | Tacoma, Washington | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Termini |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stations | 5 (formerly 6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Website | soundtransit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Type | Light rail | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
System | Link light rail | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operator(s) | Sound Transit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rolling stock | 3 Škoda 10 T vehicles | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Daily ridership | 3,109 (2019, weekdays)[1] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
History | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Opened | August 22, 2003 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Technical | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Line length | 1.6 mi (2.6 km) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of tracks | 1–2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Character | At-grade, mixed between street running and exclusive lane | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Track gauge | 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electrification | Overhead line, 750 V DC | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating speed | 25 mph (40 km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Line T (officially the T Line), formerly known as Tacoma Link, is a light rail line in Tacoma, Washington, part of the Link light rail system operated by Sound Transit. It travels 1.6 miles (2.6 km) between Tacoma Dome Station and Downtown Tacoma, serving six stations. The line carried 972,400 total passengers in 2016, with a weekday average of over 3,200 boardings. Tacoma Link runs for eight to 14 hours per day, using streetcars at frequencies of 12 to 24 minutes. Fares are not charged and operating expenses are funded by a subsidy from a downtown business association.
Tacoma Link was approved in a regional transit ballot measure passed in 1996 and began construction in 2000. It was the first modern light rail system to be constructed in Washington state and succeeded a former streetcar system that ceased operations in 1938. Service on Tacoma Link began on August 22, 2003, at five stations, replacing a downtown shuttle bus. A sixth station, Commerce Street/South 11th Street, was opened in 2011. It was designated as the Orange Line in 2019 and renamed to Line T in 2020.
Sound Transit plans to extend Line T by 2.4 miles (3.9 km) to the Stadium District and the Hilltop area west of Downtown Tacoma in 2023. A longer western extension to the Tacoma Community College campus via South 19th Street is also planned to open in 2041.
History
Background and proposals
Public transit service in Tacoma began with the opening of the city's first horse-drawn streetcar line on May 30, 1888, running on Pacific Avenue between Downtown and Old Town.[2] The city's streetcar system was expanded and electrified, growing to 125 miles (201 km) by 1912 and serving outlying areas while feeding into the Seattle–Tacoma Interurban.[3] The streetcar and cable car network was gradually replaced with motor buses, with the final streetcar leaving service on June 11, 1938.[4][5] Bus service in Tacoma was gradually consolidated under the Tacoma Transit Company, which was acquired by the city in 1961 and folded into Pierce Transit in 1980.[5]
A regional transit system, later named Sound Transit, was formed in the early 1990s to address traffic congestion in the region and proposed several projects for the Tacoma area.[6] Tacoma had been targeted for urban revitalization, particularly around the University of Washington branch that opened in 1990.[7][8] Among the proposed revitalization projects was the construction of a multimodal station near the Tacoma Dome that would be connected to Downtown Tacoma by a "shuttle" light rail line, costing approximately $40 million to construct. The Tacoma Dome Station would also be served by commuter rail and a regional light rail line continuing north to Federal Way, Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, and Seattle.[6][9][10] The light rail lines were part of a $6.7 billion ballot measure that was rejected by voters in March 1995, but planning for the multimodal Tacoma Dome Station continued.[11][12]
Approval and planning
A second transit plan was proposed without the Federal Way line, which was dropped in favor of express bus service, but retained the Downtown Tacoma connector.[13] It was passed by voters in November 1996, allocating $50 million for a 1.6-mile (2.6 km) line in Tacoma that would be built as a "starter line" within the following six years.[7][14] Tacoma Dome Station opened for buses in October 1997 and a shuttle bus connecting to Downtown Tacoma operated by Pierce Transit began service on February 2, 1998.[15][16] The Downtown Connector was transferred to Sound Transit in 2000.[17]
Route planning for the Downtown Tacoma line, named "Tacoma Link", began in early 1998 with the intent to create a new transportation connection to downtown retail and cultural attractions.[18][19] A set of 20 potential route alignments were considered for connecting Tacoma Dome Station to the University of Washington campus, the South 13th Street area, and the Theater District.[20] The preliminary options were narrowed down to five candidates in the draft environmental impact statement, which were grouped based on their use of either Commerce Street or Pacific Avenue to travel north–south through downtown.[21] The line's cost rose by $12 million to $77 million due to the choice of low-floor streetcars that would be level with the platform.[22]
The Commerce Street alignment was favored by the Tacoma city government, but a final decision by the city council and Sound Transit was delayed in favor of further studies.[23][24] The Pacific Avenue option was narrowly favored by downtown businesses due to its increased traffic, but Commerce Street was seen as a less controversial route that would allow for easier expansion to the Stadium District.[25][26] The city council approved the Commerce Street alignment in May 1999, and Sound Transit followed suit in July.[27][28] Sound Transit also endorsed studies into making Tacoma Link a fare-free system due to projections that the costs of fare collection would exceed revenue on the line.[29] Designs for the line's five stations were completed in early 2000, based on simple stations with unique design elements that reflect neighborhood identity.[30]
Construction and disputes
Construction of the light rail line near the Tacoma Dome began in August 2000, resulting in a reduction in parking that drew complaints from business owners.[31] A formal groundbreaking was held on October 18, 2000, shortly after the commencement of Sounder commuter rail service to Tacoma Dome Station.[32] Work on the downtown section was delayed into the following year due to a contract dispute and design changes to avoid buried telecommunications systems.[33][34] During bidding for the $25 million construction contract, a low bid was rejected due to not meeting Sound Transit's small business participation standards.[35] Gary Merlino Construction was awarded the contract in February 2001 and began in July;[36] construction on the line's operations and maintenance facility in the Dome District had already begun a month earlier under a separate subcontractor.[37]
The transition between Pacific Avenue and Commerce Street near the future Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center was to be via a public plaza, which began construction in June 2001.[38][39] The first rails were laid in November 2001, with a formal ceremony the following month to mark the start of work on the entire Link light rail network.[40][41] Sound Transit agreed to handle operations of the light rail trains on an interim basis for an indefinite period of time, opting not to contract with Pierce Transit or the city government.[42] Major construction along Pacific Avenue began in February 2002, causing periodic closures that affected buses and businesses who requested the use of mitigation funds to make up for lost revenues.[43][44] The three streetcars ordered by Sound Transit for Tacoma Link were manufactured in the Czech Republic by Škoda Transportation and delivered in September 2002, costing $3 million each.[45] The cars were put on public display in Tacoma and Seattle over the following months to promote light rail projects.[46][47]
As light rail construction prepared to reach Commerce Street, Qwest filed a lawsuit against Sound Transit to receive compensation for relocating its telecommunications lines away from the tracks;[48] a U.S. District Court judge ruled in favor of Sound Transit, due to the use of public right of way by Qwest for their telecommunications lines.[49] Another dispute, with BNSF Railway over a railroad crossing on Pacific Avenue that would intersect the light rail tracks, was settled in January 2003 with an agreement to suspend freight operations through the intersection.[50][51] Commerce Street was re-opened for use by buses in February 2003 as light rail construction neared completion.[52] The final section of track was welded in place in early April, marking the ceremonial end of track construction, and the installation of overhead power systems began later in the month.[53] Testing of the streetcars began on June 18, 2003, as the line was electrified for the first time 65 years after the discontinuation of the original streetcar network.[54] The first accident for the new line occurred during testing on August 5, when a delivery truck driver scraped a streetcar while illegally parked on the tracks.[55]
Opening and later projects
Tacoma Link opened for service on August 22, 2003, becoming the first modern light rail system in Washington state.[56][57] 4,400 people rode the train on the opening day, which was marked by a ribbon-cutting event and a community festival at Tacoma Dome Station.[58] Weekday ridership on the line averaged 2,000 patrons during its opening month, matching original projections for regular ridership in 2010;[59] the system reached 500,000 boardings in April 2004 and one million by December.[60][61] The project's total cost, $80.4 million, ran above the original estimates due to inflation and additional street improvements, including sidewalks, lighting, benches, and bicycle racks.[62]
Prior to the start of light rail service, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians proposed an extension of Tacoma Link to their new casino-hotel complex, approximately 1.25 miles (2.01 km) southeast of Tacoma Dome Station near Interstate 5.[63] A study into the extension was commissioned in 2004 by the Puyallup Tribe, with Sound Transit finding that the project would cost and estimated $38 million to $72 million depending on which of the four potential routes were chosen.[64][65] The study also projected that ridership levels would require a new fleet of two-car trains and longer platforms for the rest of the line, leading to increased costs.[66] Two additional extensions to the west were also studied by Sound Transit for inclusion into a long-range plan, but were deferred due to their high costs.[67] The Tacoma city government also proposed a network of streetcars in 2007, looking to emulate the Portland Streetcar system rather than extending Tacoma Link.[68]
The city government also proposed the construction of an infill station between the Convention Center and Theater District to serve downtown commuters. Sound Transit approved the proposal and opened Commerce Street/South 11th Street station on September 15, 2011.[69] It was constructed using funding from the city and tied into a new plaza built atop a nearby parking garage.[70] Due to the addition of the new station, train frequencies were reduced from every 10 minutes during peak hours to every 12 minutes.[71] Tacoma Link was renamed to the Orange Line as part of a systemwide rebranding by Sound Transit in September 2019.[72][73] The name was later withdrawn due to issues with the Red Line in Seattle; an updated designation, Line T (colored orange), will be used beginning in 2022.[74]
Hilltop Extension
A 2.4-mile-long (3.9 km) extension of Line T from Downtown Tacoma to the Stadium District and Hilltop neighborhood west of downtown is under construction.[75] The project includes six stations and will run north on Stadium Way, west on Division Street to Tacoma General Hospital, and south on Martin Luther King Jr. Way to South 19th Street near St. Joseph Medical Center.[76][77] Each station will have decorative canopies designed by Tacoma artist Kenji Hamai Stoll.[78]
The Hilltop Extension was approved by voters as part of the Sound Transit 2 ballot measure in 2008 and is estimated to cost $217 million, primarily paid for by local funding and federal grants.[79][80] Construction began with a groundbreaking in November 2018 and track laying in June 2019 under the direction of Walsh Construction.[76][81] As of March 2021[update], construction was 75 percent complete, including most trackwork and installation of catenary poles.[78] Line T suspended operations and was replaced with shuttle buses for ten weeks beginning in August 2022 to connect the extension's tracks, electrical infrastructure, and other systems to the existing line.[82] The original shutdown was extended after the discovery of stray electrical current, which required additional work to prevent corrosion.[83][84]
The extension is expected to open in early 2023,[85] with trains running on ten-minute headways during weekdays.[76][86] The extended Line T will run mostly in mixed traffic and is projected to increase daily ridership to over 10,800 by 2035.[87] Theater District station was closed permanently in 2022 and is planned to be relocated one block north to the Old City Hall.[83][86]
Route
Line T is 1.6 miles (2.6 km) long and runs at-grade in mixed traffic as well as an exclusive lane for its single-track section. Trains travel west from an operations and maintenance facility located on East 25th Street near McKinley Avenue to the line's southern terminus at Tacoma Dome Station.[88] Tacoma Dome Station has a single side platform for Link trains, located south of the 2,283-space parking garage and bus station and north of the Sounder commuter rail and Amtrak station.[89] The single-track railway continues west in the median of East 25th Street and crosses under Interstate 705 before reaching South 25th Street station on the south curb of the street near A Street.[90]
Line T trains then turn north onto Pacific Avenue and travel in the median for several blocks parallel to Interstate 705, splitting into two tracks after South 21st Street.[62][91] The dual-tracked railway reaches Union Station/South 19th Street station, located adjacent to the historic Union Station (now a courthouse), the Washington State History Museum, the Museum of Glass, and the University of Washington, Tacoma campus.[92] Near the Tacoma Art Museum, the tracks leave Pacific Avenue and travel northwest onto Commerce Street above Tollefson Plaza, crossing over the Prairie Line Trail and stopping at South 15th Street near the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center.[57][93] Link trains then travel north on Commerce Street, a major bus transfer area for Pierce Transit, and share its lanes with mixed traffic.[52] Trains stop at South 11th Street in the center of Downtown Tacoma before merging into a single track at South 9th Street.[91] The line formerly terminated at Theater District station,[83][90] located near Tacoma's city hall and the historic Pantages and Rialto theaters.[94]
Stations
The six original stations on Line T are built with 90-foot (27 m) platforms that are long enough to accommodate one car at a time, but were designed to support further expansion for multi-car trains.[95] Each station features shelters, seating, rider information, and public artwork that reflects the history of the surrounding neighborhood.[96][97]
† | Former station |
* | Future station |
Station[91] | Image | Opened | Connections and notes[91] |
---|---|---|---|
Tacoma Dome Station | August 22, 2003[98] | Connections to Sounder commuter rail and Sound Transit Express | |
South 25th Street | August 22, 2003[98] | ||
Union Station/South 19th Street | August 22, 2003[98] | ||
Convention Center/South 15th Street | August 22, 2003[98] | ||
Commerce Street/South 11th Street | September 15, 2011[69] | To be renamed Theater District in 2023 | |
Theater District/South 9th Street † | August 22, 2003[98] | Closed on August 1, 2022; to be relocated to Old City Hall | |
Old City Hall * | 2023[99] | Relocated from Theater District/South 9th Street | |
S. 4th * | 2023[99] | ||
Stadium District * | 2023[99] | ||
Tacoma General * | 2023[99] | ||
6th Avenue * | 2023[99] | ||
Hilltop District * | 2023[99] | ||
St. Joseph * | 2023[99] |
Service
Line T trains run 17 hours per day on weekdays, from 5:00 am to 10:12 pm, 14 hours per day on Saturdays, 7:48 am to 10:12 pm, and 8 hours per day on Sundays and holidays, from 9:48 am to 6:00 pm.[17][100] Trains operate at a frequency of every 12 minutes during the day on weekdays and Saturdays and every 24 minutes on Sundays, holidays, and during early morning and evening service on weekdays.[17] Operating hours are occasionally extended into the late evening for events at the Tacoma Dome, with trains running more frequently.[17][101]
Line T takes approximately 10 minutes to traverse its entire route from the Tacoma Dome Station to Commerce Street.[102][103] A maximum of two trains are able to operate on Line T due to the single-track section between Union Station and Tacoma Dome Station.[102] Prior to the opening of Commerce Street/South 11th Street station in 2011, trains ran at frequencies of 10 minutes during the day and 20 minutes during other hours.[17]
Ridership
Line T carried a total of 934,724 passengers in 2019, averaging 3,109 riders on weekdays.[1] Ridership on the line fluctuates based on several factors, including special events scheduled at the Tacoma Dome or hosted in Downtown Tacoma, and class times at the University of Washington campus in Tacoma.[104] Line T patronage peaked at 1.024 million annual riders in 2012, but has since declined due to the loss of several major downtown employers.[105] Total ridership from 2017 to 2018 declined by 7.6 percent year over year due to the closure of the Tacoma Dome for renovations, but rebounded in 2019.[1] Ridership fell to under a half-million total passengers in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[106]
Year | Ridership | %± |
---|---|---|
2003 | 266,600 | — |
2004 | 794,582 | +198.0% |
2005 | 884,895 | +11.4% |
2006 | 885,397 | +0.1% |
2007 | 919,013 | +3.8% |
2008 | 930,632 | +1.3% |
2009 | 889,320 | −4.4% |
2010 | 871,793 | −2.0% |
2011 | 972,429 | +11.5% |
2012 | 1,024,053 | +5.3% |
2013 | 1,000,316 | −2.3% |
2014 | 963,694 | −3.7% |
2015 | 980,705 | +1.8% |
2016 | 937,885 | −3.6% |
2017 | 972,405 | +3.7% |
2018 | 897,642 | −7.7% |
2019 | 934,724 | +4.1% |
2020 | 433,247 | −53.6% |
Sources: Sound Transit, APTA[107][108] |
Fares
Fares are not charged on Line T, with operating costs covered by Sound Transit and a $29,000 annual subsidy from the Tacoma Business Improvement Area.[109] Sound Transit chose to launch the service without fares due to the cost of collection exceeding projected revenues.[62] A budget shortfall caused by the late 2000s recession caused Sound Transit to consider a $1 fare in 2010, but the decision was pushed to a later date.[110][111]
The Sound Transit Board approved a $1 base fare in September 2013, taking effect the following year and rising to $1.50 in 2016, to raise enough revenue to cover fare enforcement and installation of ticket vending machines.[112] The proposed fare was unpopular with riders, business owners, and local boosters due to the potential impact on tourism, with a predicted 25 percent drop in ridership.[113][114] Before the fare could take effect, the Downtown Tacoma Business Improvement Area agreed to subsidize the difference in revenue by paying $29,000 annually to Sound Transit for two years of free fares.[115][116]
The Tacoma Business Improvement Area agreed to renew its $29,000 annual subsidy in April 2016, covering the equivalent of a $2 fare until the opening of the Hilltop extension.[117] A $1.50 adult fare and $0.75 senior and disabled fare is planned to be collected beginning in early 2023. Fares for passengers under the age of 18 are waived as part of a statewide program.[118]
Rolling stock and equipment
![The interior of a streetcar, showing two large windows, hand-holds, buttons, and a short stair leading to an upper section with seating facing forwards and backwards.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/77/Tacoma_Link_1001_interior_-_lower_section.jpg/300px-Tacoma_Link_1001_interior_-_lower_section.jpg)
The current Line T fleet consists of three low-floor articulated Škoda 10 T streetcars, numbered 1001 to 1003.[104] They were manufactured in the Czech Republic by Škoda Transportation and are identical to cars used by the Portland Streetcar system in Portland, Oregon.[46][98][119] The cars are 66 feet (20.12 m) long, 8 feet (2.44 m) wide, and have two articulation joints, between which is a low-floor central section.[120][121] Each vehicle has 30 seats and can carry an additional 85 passengers at crush load.[121] The cars and platforms are built for level boarding, with a mechanical wheelchair ramp deployed by operators upon request.[122]
The Škoda cars each weigh 31 short tons (28,123 kg; 28 long tons) and can reach a top speed of 25 miles per hour (40 km/h).[56] They are unable to be coupled and draw their electrical power from overhead catenary that is energized at 750 volts direct current.[95] The cars are stored and maintained at an operating base located east of Tacoma Dome Station and Freighthouse Square.[46] The system has several operational differences from the Line 1 fleet, including electrical systems and its minimum turning radius, that makes the two lines incompatible with each other.[95]
In November 2017, Sound Transit ordered five Liberty-model streetcars from the Brookville Equipment Corporation, at a cost of $26.5 million, for use on the future Hilltop extension. At the time of the order's being placed, the 34-seat cars were projected to be delivered in late 2020 and early 2021, but were delayed to March 2022.[123][124] The first vehicle was unveiled in late April.[125] The contract with Brookville includes an option to order five additional cars.[126][127]
Future expansion
Tacoma Community College Extension
An extension beyond the Hilltop neighborhood to the Tacoma Community College campus in western Tacoma was funded by the Sound Transit 3 ballot measure, approved by voters in 2016, and is scheduled to open in 2041.[128][129] The 3.5-mile-long (5.6 km) extension would use South 19th Street and stop at six stations, carrying approximately 18,000 daily riders and costing up to $478 million.[130] Train frequency would be increased to six minutes during peak periods and a section of the original line near Union Station would be double-tracked.[131]
References
- ^ a b c "Q4 2019 Service Delivery Quarterly Performance Report" (PDF). Sound Transit. February 27, 2020. Retrieved July 30, 2020.
- ^ Wilma, David (January 18, 2003). "Tacoma Street Railway inaugurates service on May 30, 1888". HistoryLink. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ Tacoma Link Expansion Environmental Evaluation: Historic and Archaeological Resources Technical Report (PDF) (Report). Sound Transit. June 2015. pp. 6–7. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 21, 2015. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ Kremer, Lisa (February 17, 2001). "Streetcar's era ended in 1938". The News Tribune. p. SL4.
- ^ a b Corvin, Aaron (August 22, 2003). "Link's debut stirs memories of 1st streetcars". The News Tribune. p. A1.
- ^ a b Turner, Joseph (November 3, 1992). "Plan may add rail lines to please Pierce County". The News Tribune. p. B1.
- ^ a b Foster, Heath (May 19, 1996). "Backers say tiny light rail line would tote big benefits". The News Tribune. p. A1.
- ^ Card, Skip (June 23, 2002). "Tacoma Downtown turns around". The News Tribune. p. A1.
- ^ Schaefer, David (September 10, 1994). "Costs put on options for regional system of light rail, buses". The Seattle Times. p. A9.
- ^ Schaefer, David (February 12, 1995). "On the right track? Questions, answers to the $6.7 billion proposal". The Seattle Times. p. A1.
- ^ Schaefer, David (January 11, 1996). "RTA ready to unveil new plan: rapid transit proposal's cost, scope downsized". The Seattle Times. p. A1. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ "The Regional Transit System Proposal" (PDF). Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority. February 1995. pp. 7–8. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 30, 2015. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ "Sound Move: Launching a Rapid Transit System for the Puget Sound Region" (PDF). Sound Transit. May 31, 1996. pp. 15–17, 23. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ Flash, Cynthia (November 7, 1996). "Key RTA issues still need to be settled". The News Tribune. p. A1.
- ^ Abe, Debby (October 26, 1997). "Coffee, newspaper and bus to go: Tacoma dedicates its new transit center". The Seattle Times. p. B1.
- ^ "Service gives downtown commuters parking, ride". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. February 16, 1998. p. B2.
- ^ a b c d e "2018 Service Implementation Plan" (PDF). Sound Transit. December 2017. pp. 111–115. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ Eckart, Kim (March 30, 1998). "Light rail is coming into focus". The News Tribune. p. B1.
- ^ Turner, Joseph (October 19, 1998). "Tacoma: Future rail service on agenda". The News Tribune. p. B2.
- ^ Eckart, Kim (March 26, 1998). "RTA maps options in Tacoma". The News Tribune. p. A1.
- ^ Eckart, Kim (June 16, 1998). "Watch for trains on either Pacific or Commerce". The News Tribune. p. B1.
- ^ Eckart, Kim (November 4, 1998). "Rail costs zoom over estimates". The News Tribune. p. B1.
- ^ Eckart, Kim (January 27, 1999). "Tacoma council decides to delay part of light-rail route decision". The News Tribune. p. A16.
- ^ "Tacoma Link light rail takes major step forward as Sound Transit Board identifies route and station locations" (Press release). Sound Transit. February 12, 1999. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ Foster, George (February 19, 1999). "Tacoma split over route of downtown rail". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. p. C1.
- ^ Callaghan, Peter (April 20, 1999). "Logic aside, our light rail should be treated as toy". The News Tribune. p. B1.
- ^ Eckart, Kim (May 26, 1999). "City wants light rail to run on Commerce". The News Tribune. p. B1.
- ^ "Sound Transit Motion No. M99-28" (PDF). Sound Transit. July 8, 1999. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ Quigg, David (June 18, 1999). "Free rides probable on Tacoma light rail". The News Tribune. p. A1.
- ^ Eckart, Kim (February 3, 2000). "Sound Transit stations will reflect their surrounding neighborhoods". The News Tribune. p. B1.
- ^ Szymanski, Jim (September 25, 2000). "Construction pinches Freighthouse". The News Tribune. p. B1.
- ^ "Opening of expanded Tacoma Dome Station, start of Tacoma Link light rail construction to be celebrated" (Press release). Sound Transit. October 6, 2000. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ Eckart, Kim (January 27, 2000). "Sound Transit to adjust light-rail line to avoid buried phone equipment". The News Tribune. p. B4.
- ^ Modeen, Martha (December 10, 2000). "Final light-rail decisions due". The News Tribune. p. B1.
- ^ Quigg, David (February 9, 2001). "Tacoma contract for light rail goes to Gary Merlino". The News Tribune. p. B1.
- ^ "Construction to begin along the Tacoma Link light rail line" (Press release). Sound Transit. July 9, 2001. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ "Link light rail construction begins in Tacoma" (Press release). Sound Transit. January 22, 2001. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ Modeen, Martha (June 18, 2001). "Construction to begin on Link light-rail plaza project". The News Tribune. p. B1.
- ^ Modeen, Martha (July 16, 2001). "Tacoma project's costs are soaring". The News Tribune. p. A1.
- ^ Corvin, Aaron (November 26, 2001). "Tacoma on track to get lighter version of light rail". The News Tribune. p. A1.
- ^ Corvin, Aaron (December 12, 2001). "Officials hail start of Link in Tacoma". The News Tribune. p. B1.
- ^ Quigg, David (December 14, 2001). "Sound Transit to run city line". The News Tribune. p. B1.
- ^ Hagey, Jason (February 7, 2002). "Along Link route, merchants feeling pinch". The News Tribune. p. A10.
- ^ Corvin, Aaron (April 13, 2002). "More detours downtown". The News Tribune. p. B1.
- ^ Barker, Jeffery M. (September 4, 2002). "Tacoma's light rail transit cars arrive". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. p. B1. Retrieved January 5, 2019.
- ^ a b c Corvin, Aaron (November 3, 2002). "Streetcars ready for viewing". The News Tribune. p. B1.
- ^ Quigg, David (January 23, 2003). "Tacoma Link streetcar takes Seattle road trip". The News Tribune. p. A1.
- ^ Hagey, Jason (February 7, 2002). "Legal fight threatens to slow light rail". The News Tribune. p. A1.
- ^ Lindblom, Mike (August 8, 2002). "Qwest, not Sound Transit, must pay to move wires". The Seattle Times. p. B2.
- ^ Quigg, David; Wickert, David (January 31, 2003). "Big trains may yield to progress, light rail". The News Tribune. p. A1.
- ^ Corvin, Aaron (March 19, 2002). "Sound Transit faces safety issues with light rail". The News Tribune. p. A1.
- ^ a b Corvin, Aaron (February 15, 2003). "Big day for Commerce, Pierce Transit". The News Tribune. p. B1.
- ^ Corvin, Aaron (April 8, 2003). "Rail line's final weld a big step". The News Tribune. p. B1.
- ^ Leventis, Angie (June 19, 2003). "Agency takes Link out for a spin". The News Tribune. p. B1.
- ^ Corvin, Aaron (August 6, 2003). "Streetcar scraped up in 1st mishap". The News Tribune. p. B1.
- ^ a b Lindblom, Mike (August 23, 2003). "Sound Transit starts small with Tacoma Link system". The Seattle Times. p. B1. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ a b Hadley, Jane (August 22, 2003). "Tacoma's light rail—1.6 historic miles". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. p. B1. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ Corvin, Aaron (August 23, 2003). "Tacoma Link makes its debut". The News Tribune. p. A1. Archived from the original on September 1, 2003. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ "Sound Transit's Tacoma Link off to flying start; ridership exceeds 2010 projections" (Press release). Sound Transit. September 11, 2003. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ Corvin, Aaron (April 28, 2004). "City's streetcar system hits 500,000-rider mark". The News Tribune. p. B2.
- ^ Matthews, Todd (December 8, 2004). "One Million Served: Tacoma Link light rail celebrates milestone ridership". Tacoma Daily Index. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
- ^ a b c Corvin, Aaron (August 17, 2003). "Future link: Tacoma or bust". The News Tribune. p. A15.
- ^ Carson, Rob (October 17, 2002). "City, tribe study light-rail deal". The News Tribune. p. B1.
- ^ Hadley, Jane (March 24, 2004). "Light rail extension studied in Tacoma". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. p. B4. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
- ^ Corvin, Aaron (March 19, 2004). "Four options for extending Tacoma's light-rail line". The News Tribune. p. B1.
- ^ Parsons Brinckerhoff (March 2005). Sound Transit Long-Range Plan Update Issue Paper S.6: Potential Tacoma Link Extension – East (PDF) (Report). Sound Transit. Retrieved May 4, 2016.
- ^ Corvin, Aaron (March 25, 2005). "East could meet west on light rail". The News Tribune. p. A1.
- ^ Hagey, Jason (June 13, 2007). "An idea with legs, and tracks". The News Tribune. p. A1.
- ^ a b "Tacoma Link Commerce Street Station opens tomorrow" (Press release). Sound Transit. September 14, 2011. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ Callaghan, Peter (September 7, 2011). "New Commerce Street link stations are close to completion". The News Tribune.
- ^ Callaghan, Peter (September 9, 2011). "New Commerce Street Link Station will be open for passengers Sept. 15". The News Tribune.
- ^ Netzler, Kat (September 18, 2019). "Link light rail debuts line colors". The Platform. Sound Transit. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
- ^ Sailor, Craig (October 10, 2019). "See ya, Tacoma Link. Sound Transit retitles streetcar line with new colorful name". The News Tribune. Retrieved October 10, 2019.
- ^ Shaner, Zach (April 9, 2020). "New line names coming in 2021". The Platform. Sound Transit. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
- ^ "Tacoma Link to remain fare free until Hilltop extension opens" (Press release). Sound Transit. April 28, 2016. Retrieved April 28, 2016.
- ^ a b c Sailor, Craig (November 17, 2018). "Hilltop street car's 2.4 mile route extension breaks ground Monday". The News Tribune. Retrieved November 18, 2018.
- ^ "Sound Transit Board selects alignment, stations for Tacoma Link Expansion" (Press release). Sound Transit. November 19, 2015. Retrieved May 4, 2016.
- ^ a b Sailor, Craig (March 24, 2021). "Sound Transit's Hilltop trolley extension 75% finished. So when can you hop a ride?". The News Tribune. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
- ^ Nunnally, Derrick (October 26, 2015). "Tacoma Link expansion gets $15 million in federal money". The News Tribune. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ "Sound Transit breaks ground on Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension" (Press release). Sound Transit. November 19, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ Sailor, Craig (June 19, 2019). "They're laying track for Tacoma's streetcar extension. They're also digging up relics". The News Tribune. Retrieved June 20, 2019.
- ^ "Tacoma Link closed August 1 to September 16 for construction" (Press release). Sound Transit. July 21, 2022. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
- ^ a b c Sailor, Craig (October 11, 2022). "Tacoma street cars return to the rails Tuesday after 10-week absence". The News Tribune. Archived from the original on October 11, 2022. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
- ^ Moomey, Liz (September 30, 2022). "Another construction setback for Tacoma Link extension. When will it finish?". The News Tribune. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
- ^ "Hilltop Tacoma Link opening update". The Platform. Sound Transit. February 10, 2022. Retrieved February 20, 2022.
- ^ a b "Tacoma Link Expansion: Project Overview" (PDF). Sound Transit. November 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 4, 2016. Retrieved May 4, 2016.
- ^ Nunnally, Derrick (July 20, 2015). "Proposed Link stops open for review". The News Tribune. p. A1. Retrieved December 2, 2018.
- ^ Corvin, Aaron (August 4, 2002). "Light rail, heavy expectations: Supporters and critics say the light rail project is crucial to Sound Transit's credibility". The News Tribune. Tacoma, Washington. p. A1.
- ^ "The Tacoma Dome Station". Pierce Transit. Archived from the original on November 3, 2011. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
- ^ a b "Sound Transit Motion No. M99-5" (PDF). Sound Transit. February 11, 1999. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
- ^ a b c d "Tacoma Link light rail: Fact Sheet" (PDF). Sound Transit. June 2012. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
- ^ Larsen, Jeff (November 13, 2003). "Keep coming back: The city's on a roll". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. p. 4.
- ^ Callaghan, Peter (March 19, 2013). "Prairie Line will add welcome green to a gray cityscape". The News Tribune.
- ^ Woolston, Deborah (July 4, 2002). "Museum of Glass: A bridge to Tacoma's cultural future". Kitsap Sun. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
- ^ a b c Parsons Brinckerhoff (March 2005). Sound Transit Long Range Plan Update Issue Paper S.1: Tacoma Link Integration with Central Link (PDF) (Report). Sound Transit. pp. 5–7. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ "Tacoma Link Expansion: Project Overview" (PDF). Sound Transit. July 2015. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
- ^ Stephens, Terry (September 20, 2001). "Sound Transit seeks success in Tacoma". Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f Burrows, Alyssa (January 26, 2004). "Sound Transit's Tacoma Link light rail system begins operation on August 22, 2003". HistoryLink. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension". Sound Transit. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
- ^ "Ride the Way Transit Guide: Route Maps & Schedules" (PDF). Sound Transit. September 2018. p. 23. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ Ellouk, Bernard (October 30, 2017). "Sound Transit will make it easier to get to Garth Brooks concerts". KING 5 News. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ a b "Sound Transit Service Standards and Performance Measures, 2018 Edition" (PDF). Sound Transit. 2018. p. 21. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ "Link T Line: Tacoma Dome–Commerce St" (PDF). Sound Transit. September 2022. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
- ^ a b "2019 Service Implementation Plan" (PDF). Sound Transit. November 2018. pp. 58, 213. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
- ^ Lynn, Adam (December 21, 2016). "Tacoma Link ridership heads downhill". The News Tribune. p. A1. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ "Q4 2020 Service Delivery Quarterly Performance Report" (PDF). Sound Transit. February 25, 2021. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
- ^ "Service planning and ridership documents". Sound Transit. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ "Transit Ridership Report Fourth Quarter 2003" (PDF). American Public Transportation Association. August 3, 2004. p. 33. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
- ^ Lynn, Adam (April 29, 2016). "Tacoma Link rides to remain free indefinitely". The News Tribune. p. A10. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ Kamb, Lewis (September 27, 2010). "Free Tacoma Link rides over?". The News Tribune. p. A1.
- ^ Matthews, Todd (October 19, 2010). "Free Passage: Sound Transit holds off on charging for downtown Link light rail service". Tacoma Daily Index. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
- ^ Carson, Rob (September 27, 2013). "Board OKs $1 adult Link fares next year". The News Tribune. p. A1.
- ^ Carson, Rob (September 20, 2013). "Link riders blast plan to charge passengers". The News Tribune. p. A3.
- ^ Carson, Rob (August 12, 2013). "Transit considering fares for Link riders". The News Tribune. p. A1.
- ^ Cafazzo, Debbie (May 19, 2014). "Downtown group offers to pay Link riders' way". The News Tribune. p. A1.
- ^ "Business Improvement Area to pay to delay Tacoma Link fares for two years" (Press release). Sound Transit. May 22, 2014. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
- ^ Lynn, Adam (April 27, 2016). "Deal to keep Tacoma Link rides free for now nearing approval". The News Tribune. p. A3. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
- ^ Moomey, Liz (October 28, 2022). "Tacoma Link riders will soon have to pay. When will fares start and how much will it be?". The News Tribune. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
- ^ "How it's built: Vehicles". Sound Transit. Archived from the original on April 8, 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ "Skoda breaks into the urban market". Railway Gazette International. April 1, 2001. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ a b "The Tacoma Link Light Rail Vehicles are Coming!" (Press release). Sound Transit. July 25, 2002. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ "Transit accessibility". Sound Transit. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
- ^ "Project Update: Construction continues through holidays to open Hilltop Tacoma Link in 2022". Sound Transit. December 1, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
- ^ Metzger, Katie (March 30, 2022). "Fresh pics: New light rail vehicle arrives in Tacoma". The Platform. Sound Transit. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
- ^ "First new light-rail vehicle unveiled for Sound Transit's Hilltop Tacoma Link". Mass Transit Magazine. April 27, 2022. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
- ^ "Sound Transit orders five additional light rail vehicles for Tacoma Link Extension to Stadium, Hilltop neighborhoods" (Press release). Sound Transit. November 16, 2017. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ Vantuono, William C. (December 7, 2017). "Sound Transit finalizes Brookville contract". Railway Age. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ Lindblom, Mike (November 14, 2016). "Where Sound Transit 3 projects could speed up or slow down". The Seattle Times. p. B1. Retrieved February 25, 2018.
- ^ Needles, Allison (August 9, 2021). "Sound Transit has $6.5 billion ST3 budget gap. What does that mean for Tacoma projects?". The News Tribune. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
- ^ "Tacoma preps for light rail expansion". Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce. November 8, 2017. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
- ^ "Tacoma Link Extension to Tacoma Community College" (PDF). Sound Transit 3 Draft Plan. Sound Transit. March 29, 2016. Retrieved May 4, 2016.
External links
Route map:
Media related to Line T (Sound Transit) at Wikimedia Commons
- Tacoma Link schedule
- Tacoma Link Expansion: Hilltop Extension
- Pages using the Graph extension
- Articles with short description
- Use mdy dates from May 2016
- Articles containing potentially dated statements from March 2021
- All articles containing potentially dated statements
- Articles using KML not from Wikidata
- Commons category link is the pagename
- 2003 establishments in Washington (state)
- Link Light Rail
- Railway lines opened in 2003
- Transportation in Tacoma, Washington
- Zero-fare transport services
- 750 V DC railway electrification