Drooid Logo
Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Sound Transit Approves $87M Fare-Gate Retrofit Pilot

8/28/2026

44 3 Full Breakdown

1 of 1

Story summary
  • Sound Transit board approved a $6 million design budget and an $87 million retrofit for a 14-station fare-gate pilot.
  • The pilot will install gates at nine Seattle stations from Northgate to International District/Chinatown and five regional stations.
  • Sound Transit estimates the gates will generate $30-$32 million annual fare revenue, repaying the $87 million cost in about three years.
  • Officials warned the gates could create equity barriers for low-income, youth, unhoused, and disabled riders.