Thursday we found out just how ambitious the ST3 plan is for the future of light rail in the region. The timing is pretty good considering that the Capitol Hill - UW light rail connection opened last weekend and has been a huge hit. It's been so successful that Sound Transit needs to add more traincars in order to accommodate everyone.
Three-car trains are going to be added to the circulation and alternate with the usual two-car trains that run the line.
Weekday ridership of the line, that runs all the way to Sea-Tac Airport, had been hovering around 35,000 people before the opening. 67,000 people rode the line on opening day Saturday, followed by 35,000 on Sunday, 47,000 on Monday and 57,000 on Tuesday.
Sound Transit wants to be able to carry 150 passengers per car, which is just enough to pack the train without overcrowding. According to a Sound Transit spokesperson, the stretch between Pioneer Square and the International District/Chinatown Stations remains the busiest but the UW - Capitol Hill stretch is going to give it a run for it's money.
· Sound Transit to add longer trains to meet unexpected light-rail demand [ST]
· UW & Capitol Hill Light Rail Stations Open on Saturday [CS]