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Sounder commuter-rail service to South Tacoma and Lakewood, Wash., will begin Oct. 8, Sound Transit officials announced yesterday.

The service launch will represent a milestone in Sound Transit's expansion of commuter rail to more communities in Pierce County, Wash., said Sound Transit Chairman and Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy in a prepared statement.

"In just a few short weeks, more South Sound residents will be able to experience the convenient, first-class service that more than 10,000 Sounder riders from Tacoma to Everett enjoy each weekday," he said.

When service to Lakewood begins, Sound Transit will operate five peak-service trains that will start at the Lakewood Station, stop at South Tacoma and proceed to the Tacoma Dome Station, as well as other stations farther north. Until then, testing on the 8.5-mile track between Tacoma and Lakewood will continue, Sound Transit officials said.