No Capitol Hill-U District light rail service this weekend to repair damage at University of Washington Station and get trains back up to speed

Sound Transit has announced a suspension of light rail service between the University District and Capitol Hill for the upcoming weekend to address critical repairs on equipment damaged in September. The repairs are necessary for the Overhead Contact System (OCS), which sustained damage from a train incident, resulting in speed restrictions for trains in the area. Buses will serve as replacements for the trains, running every 10-15 minutes to maintain service between the two stations. Link trains will continue their operations on a modified schedule, ensuring that passengers can still travel between Angle Lake and Capitol Hill, as well as U District and Lynnwood City Center. This disruption is part of ongoing efforts to prepare for the full opening of the 2 Line, expected in late 2025, which will improve transit connectivity across the region.

Sound Transit has noted that this situation highlights the need for comprehensive repairs to enhance service reliability, especially in light of previous unplanned outages. The agency is actively working to resolve these disruptions to provide better service to local commuters. This weekend's shutdown marks a significant milestone in Sound Transit's efforts to stabilize and improve the region's light rail system.