As a result of rail operator staffing shortages – most likely due to the surging COVID-19 pandemic – starting Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, Sound Transit will be required to temporarily reduce peak hour service on Link light rail, the agency announced Friday.

Trains will run every 12 minutes during peak hours on weekdays.

Service during other periods currently remains unchanged.

Sound Transit was recently informed by King County Metro, which operates and maintains Link service under contract, that numerous factors relating to the COVID pandemic are triggering a shortage of operators to operate the service at current frequencies.  Operator shortages were also a challenge when COVID rates spiked back in March.

In addition, due to reduced operator availability, Tacoma Link, which is operated directly by Sound Transit, will operate on a Sunday schedule on Saturday, December 5 and December 12.

ST Express and Sounder service is not affected at this time.

Riders should take into account that electronic resources such as Google maps, One Bus Away and other applications and websites may not have accurate information for all trips during this time. In addition to accessing information electronically at www.soundtransit.org, passengers can request help with trip planning by calling Customer Service at 888-889-6368, TTY Relay 711.

All Sound Transit passengers must wear face coverings consistent with public health directives. Riders should also follow social distancing and other critical health guidelines to protect the community.