The Sound Transit Board of Directors approved a pilot program to test fare gates at up to 14 light rail stations in an effort to boost revenue.
The decision comes after the agency had to modify its expansion plan in an effort to close a nearly $35 million budget gap.
The pilot program will test fare gates at select stops along the Link 1 and 2 lines, spanning stations in Seattle, Lynnwood, Redmond, Bellevue, SeaTac and Federal Way.
Agency studies show that current fare compliance hovers around 61%, prompting Sound Transit to re-evaluate its traditional proof-of-payment system as the rail network expands.
Sound Transit Public Information Officer Rachelle Cunningham explained that system growth makes gate installation more cost-effective than in previous years.
“We just have so many more stations with the opening of the 2 Line all the way across the lake,” she said. “We just opened to Federal Way, so the miles and the number of stations and the number of riders now, we would be able to recoup the cost of the gates much more quickly.”
Sound Transit estimates it will take two to three years to recoup the installation costs.
Early studies indicate the gates could generate between $32 million and $83 million in additional annual fare revenue.
Once installed, passengers will tap their cards to enter and exit stations, though riders will only be charged upon exiting if they boarded at an ungated stop without paying.
The announcement drew mixed reactions from commuters.
Phoenix Davidson, a light rail rider, shared a different perspective on fare payment habits.
“As someone who rides, I’ve never seen somebody not pay their fare for the light rail,” Davidson said.
Another passenger, Iris Light, raised concerns regarding equitable access for low-income riders.
“I feel like people that may not have the resources or the money to take the light rail, I don’t know, I feel if you don’t have that, then your transportation shouldn’t be taken away from you,” Light said.
Addressing accessibility concerns, Cunningham highlighted existing assistance initiatives available to transit users.
“Even now we have reduced fares. I mean, I think anybody who needs to get fares can. It would just be, you know, finding the right kind of way to get cards and other kinds of things into their hands,” Cunningham said.
Sound Transit is targeting a rollout of the fare gate system between 2029 and 2030.