The Sound Transit commuter Sounder train on February 13th, 2025, had a common cancellation of morning service due to late maintenance impacting many commuters.
On February 13, 2025, Sound Transit’s Sounder commuter train experienced severe disruptions that forced the majority of passengers to seek alternative means of transport. Disruptions were based on delays in maintenance that disqualified some train cars from obtaining certifications to operate.
Initial Service Cancellations
Late Feb. 12, Sound Transit canceled all morning Sounder trains for Feb. 13, due to “preventative maintenance scheduling issues with Amtrak.” This followed after it was revealed that several cars did not receive necessary certifications, and thus were not compliant for use in carrying passengers.
By 6 a.m. February 13, Sound Transit had resumed limited service. In particular, three S Line trains left Lakewood at 6:06, 6:26, and 6:46 a.m., and N Line service between Seattle and Everett was running on time. Even this, however, was not sufficient, as virtually all the scheduled morning trains were canceled, posing inconvenience to the majority of commuters.
Commuter Challenges
The last-minute cancellations were aggravating and puzzling to regular commuters. Regular commuters showed up at stations oblivious to the suspension of service to discover their typical trains canceled. Some commuters spent time in the cold waiting to hear when service would return, while other commuters struggled with arrangements for alternative means of travel to reach their destination.
Sound Transit’s Response
Sound Transit blamed the service disruption on a “maintenance lag” that kept cars from being certified for service. The agency was keen to restore normalcy and said afternoon trains would be running, with schedules to be announced midday. Customers were advised to anticipate and use other forms of transit where necessary.
Looking Ahead
As Sound Transit keeps repairing the maintenance issues and preventing future malfunctions, commuters are encouraged to stay informed using appropriate media and sign up to receive service alerts. The agency is dedicated to providing reliable travel and minimizing disruption to its passengers.
