Link Light Rail Sets Ridership Record During World Cup Matches in Seattle
The Link light rail system experienced a record-breaking ridership of approximately 280,000 passengers during the World Cup match between the United States and Australia at Lumen Field in Seattle. This surpassed the previous high mark set during the Seahawks Super Bowl parade earlier in the year. The light rail operated at peak service from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. on June 19, transporting soccer fans from across the region for the noon kickoff, supporting post-game celebrations, and accommodating a sold-out Mariners crowd at T-Mobile Park.
Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine expressed pride in the agency's highest ridership day, emphasizing the importance of providing safe and reliable transportation for fans attending major events in the region. The day saw a full Lumen Field with 66,925 spectators for the American victory and a packed T-Mobile Park with 45,775 attendees for the Mariners game.
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay commended the significant ridership numbers during the World Cup, highlighting the essential role of transit in supporting community events. With multiple days of high demand expected during the tournament and the potential for a Team USA match in Seattle on July 6, preparations for sustained high ridership on the light rail are ongoing. Passengers are advised to plan ahead, utilize preferred stations, and expect increased service to accommodate the influx of travelers.
During Seattle's first World Cup game on June 15 between Egypt and Belgium, the light rail recorded an estimated 210,000 gameday boardings. The ridership estimates are based on a rapid review of available Automatic Passenger Counter (APC) data, with ongoing validation and processing to provide accurate figures reflecting the full fleet's usage.
In conclusion, the record-breaking ridership on the Link light rail system during the World Cup matches underscores the importance of efficient public transportation in facilitating large-scale events and ensuring the smooth movement of fans across the region. Sound Transit's commitment to providing peak service and accommodating high demand reflects its dedication to serving the community and enhancing the overall fan experience during major sporting events.