As active seniors, you have a lot to do. Sound Transit is here to help you with your transportation needs. Whether you are going shopping, to your doctor, to a senior center or other service agency, to see a play or to visit friends and family, Sound Transit can get you there.

Sound Transit provides access to many locations in the Central Puget Sound Region. Sound Transit operates limited-stop express bus and commuter rail service throughout the three-county region (King, Pierce, Snohomish), while Metro operates local and express bus service within King County only. Our service area stretches from DuPont to Everett and provides services to most major population centers. We have a variety of services designed to fit the needs of our riders.

Regional Reduced Fare Permit

As a senior, 65 years or older, you are eligible for a Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP). This permit costs $3.00 and entitles you to reduced fares on Sound Transit and other regional transit services.
 
To get a Regional Reduced Fare Permit, contact your local transit agency for an application. Complete your application and return it with proof of eligibility to your local transit agency.
 
Once you have your permit, pay the senior/disabled fare on any Sound Transit service. You must have your RRFP with you and show it to drivers or conductors when asked.

Travel Training

Never ridden the bus? Not sure how or where to catch the train?  Sound Transit provides free training on how to use our services for individuals or groups, whether you want general information or more in-depth one-on-one training. For more information call customer service or e-mail accessibility@soundtransit.org. Local transit agencies also offer this training on their services.

Here are three great Sound Transit options:

ST Express Buses

Like to go to downtown Seattle but don't want to hassle with parking? Want to visit your grandkids in Tacoma but hate the drive? With 19 routes, ST Express buses provide quick and comfortable service to a wide number of locations within the Central Puget Sound Region.

Get There Faster: ST Express buses make fewer stops so you arrive at your destination faster.

Ride in Comfort: All ST Express buses feature wheelchair ramps or lifts, kneeling features to make the bus closer to the curb, air conditioning, overhead luggage racks and comfortable high-back seats.

Park and Ride:  ST Express Buses serve more than 60 park and ride lots and transit centers throughout the region. Parking is free at these facilities. To locate the one nearest you see our Get Ready to Ride Transit Guide or visit www.soundtransit.org/riding or call customer service.

Sounder Commuter Rail

Want to spend the day in Seattle and get there in style? Take Sounder commuter rail. Sounder commuter rail trains feature comfortable seats, restrooms and easily accessible cars. The views on the routes are spectacular.

Sounder makes four trips from Tacoma to Seattle Monday through Friday. The route begins at the Tacoma Dome Station with stops in Puyallup, Sumner, Auburn, Kent and Tukwila. The Everett-to-Seattle route runs twice every weekday morning with stops in Edmonds. The reverse trips are in the afternoon.

Tacoma Link Light Rail

Getting around downtown Tacoma and the region is a lot easier with Tacoma Link. Sound Transit's light rail system connects the Tacoma Dome Station (a regional hub for local and express bus, and commuter train service) with downtown Tacoma. Link trains run every 10 minutes, Monday through Saturday, and every 10 to 20 minutes on Sunday. Best of all, Tacoma Link is FREE!

What About Accessibility?

In addition to our transportation services, Sound Transit has included many features at their transit facilities, which improve accessibility for seniors.

Tactile Warnings are installed at the edge of all Sounder commuter rail platforms and the bus platforms at transit centers. These warning strips serve to warn people when they are approaching the edge of the platform. You should always stand behind these warning tiles when waiting on vehicles.

At bus facilities there are tactile boarding pads. These 6' by 6' ribbed tiles denote the boarding area for buses. If you stand within this area, you will be lined up with the door of the bus when it arrives.

All Sound Transit rider information materials are available in large print or in Braille for those riders who are blind or partially sighted.

Priority Seating

Designated seating is available on ST Express for senior citizens or riders with disabilities. If other passengers are using these seats, the operator will politely ask them to move.

You are Safe on Sound Transit

All of Sound Transit's facilities are patrolled either by contracted security officers or off-duty police and sheriffs. Sounder commuter trains are patrolled by contracted security officers. ST Express Buses and Tacoma Link light rail trains are periodically patrolled by off-duty police and sheriffs. All operators of Sound Transit vehicles have direct contact with dispatch centers to request help if needed. Further safety information may be found in the Get Ready to Ride transit guide.

Want to Know More?

Sound Transit's Get Ready to Ride transit guide is available on all Sound Transit vehicles, at customer service and in public libraries. Or click here to see the guide online.

For further information about Sound Transit services, contact Sound Transit at:

Phone: 800-201-4900
TTY: 888-713-6030
Rider Information: 888-889-6368
www.soundtransit.org
E-mail: acessibility@soundtransit.org