As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, Sound Transit is turning its attention to the thousands of soccer fans who will be moving through the Seattle region. The agency has announced a series of upgrades designed to make stations more accessible, easier to navigate, and better equipped for the surge in ridership.
Accessibility Enhancements
At the International District/Chinatown Station, escalators and elevators have been modernized, while new ORCA readers now greet passengers at every entrance. The Good Maps app, which offers turn‑by‑turn guidance in 25 languages, is now available across all 1 and 2 Line stations, helping riders find their way with confidence.
Multilingual Wayfinding
Accessibility has also been front‑and‑center. Wheelchair‑friendly icons now mark the platforms at Stadium, International District/Chinatown, Pioneer Square and Westlake, and a dedicated waiting area provides a safe boarding zone for passengers with reduced mobility. Clear signage and additional staff will guide riders, and the information kiosk at Westlake Station will be staffed throughout the tournament.
Game‑Day Operations
Game‑day logistics have been refined as well. Trains will announce preferred stations for the renamed Seattle Stadium, and overhead displays will show station names alongside a soccer‑ball graphic and a stylized outline of the stadium. Bicycles and scooters will be barred from Link and Sounder services on match days, though free BikeLink lockers will be available via the app.
To add a personal touch, riders will hear welcoming messages from women’s soccer legend Megan Rapinoe and former Seahawks standout Doug Baldwin, offering tips on how to ride smoothly. Extra security personnel and Sound Transit staff will be on hand to assist, while the Weller Street Bridge will be reserved for those needing accessible routes.
Service frequency will be ramped up, with trains running every eight minutes on the 1 and 2 Lines from 6 a.m. until 1 a.m. on match days, and Tacoma’s T Line extending its schedule to accommodate evening games. Sound Transit is also preparing ST Express buses on key corridors and pausing any construction that could disrupt service, ensuring that the focus stays on a seamless fan experience.