Sound Transit to add extra train on commuter-rail route

Sound Transit on Sept. 12 will add a midday Sounder commuter train to the agency's south line service, which runs between Seattle and Lakewood, Wash.

Photo: Sound Transit

The added service follows a 12 percent year-over-year ridership increase on the line during the second quarter, agency officials said in a press release.

The service is aimed at providing flex-schedule workers and other riders an additional travel option for bypassing highway gridlock that goes on throughout the day, Sound Transit officials said.

The midday train will bring to 11 the number of daily weekday trains along the Sounder's south line. In addition, the two-car train will increase to a seven-car consist when the agency receives nine new Sounder coaches early next year.

Two additional peak-service trains also will begin service in 2017.