Sound Transit: Mudslides and bus fires - report from the CEO

Sound Transit CEO
Joni Earl

From the Jan 11, 2013 Newsletter of Sound Transit CEO Joni Earl

Mudslides

The number of Sounder North Line mudslides has become a major issue for Sound Transit, our Sounder customers and many others around the region. So far, mudslides have knocked out service between Everett and Seattle in record numbers this winter. Simply put, we haven’t had a season this bad for mudslides since we began running Sounder North Line trains in late 2003.

I told the Sound Transit Capital Committee on Thursday that we’re tracking the issue very carefully, collecting data and working on recommendations for the North Line service. We expect to have those recommendations in the next few weeks.

We are in discussions with the state, Amtrak and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railways, which owns the tracks.

Safety is our number one priority. We’re also very concerned about the reliability of service for our Sounder customers. During the cancellations we’re running special direct buses to our Sounder stations in the mornings and evenings. Sounder customers are frustrated, but they’ve also been understanding. Thanks again to our loyal riders for their patience.

Bus fire

Fortunately, no one was hurt this morning (Jan 11, 2013) when an ST Express bus caught fire on I-5 near Northgate. According to reports, once the driver became aware that something was wrong with the bus, he immediately pulled over and quickly evacuated all passengers onboard. He called for help and made sure everyone was safely off and away from danger before the fire actually started. All 70 passengers were transferred to other buses where they continued on into Seattle. Major thanks go out to the driver for his quick actions and to the passengers for their safe evacuation.

At about the same time, the driver of another ST Express bus near the South Everett Freeway Station noticed smoke and pulled over. That bus did not catch on fire.

So, what happened? We’re not entirely sure and won’t be until a full investigation is complete. That investigation is already underway and we’re looking forward to its findings so we can work on preventing it in the future.

Once again, thankfully, no passengers were injured.