City: Seattle, WA

Category: Getting Here, Getting Around

Telephone: (206) 398-5000, (800) 201-4900

Address: 401 S. Jackson St.

Description: Sound Transit (ST) operates the bus and light-rail public transportation system throughout Seattle and the Central Puget Sound area, as well as a commuter train between Seattle and Tacoma. Sound Transit operates out of the King Street Station south of downtown, close to Safeco Field, and has lines that run from Everett in the north to Tacoma in the south. ST has a great trip planner on its Web site, where you can input your starting and ending locations and receive exact trip information and details. ST Express bus fares are $1.50 for one zone, $2.50 for two zones, and $3 for three zones, for a single-ride ticket (transfers are allowed). The zones are broken up by the city limit borders, so if you are staying in Seattle proper you will be in only one zone. ST Link light rail fares are based on distance traveled, ranging from $1.75 to $2.50. For Sounder commuter rail, the base fare is $2.55 and goes up to $4.75 depending on the length of trip and destination.Discounted fares are available for youth ages 6–18, senior citizens age 65 and up, and disabled riders on all Sound Transit systems. Ticket vending machines are available at all rail stations, and tickets must be purchased before boarding the train. For buses, you can pay the driver when you board (exact change required) or use a pass. Monthly PugetPass cards provide a savings for high use over a month or longer, or consider getting a prepaid ORCA card, which can be used on any bus, train, or ferry in the area.