Updated November 21, 2005

A Railfan's Very Unofficial Web Site *

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Sounder Transit Railfan Seattle/Tacoma, Washington Rapid Transit Sounder Commuter Rail Service Between Tacoma and Downtown SeattleStation Stops in Puyallup, Sumner, Auburn, Kent, and Tukwila.

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My interest in the Sounder Transit Rail System started out as curiosity about the interesting paint scheme they used on their passenger trains. It has ended in a very eye opening education on the politics and bureaucracy that is involved in the creation of a Heavy Rail Passenger Commuter System. Especially one that was designed from the start to share track time with a Class1 Freight Railroad and with limited space for geographical growth. The Seattle -Tacoma, Washington region is on of the most beautiful coastal areas in the United States. With Puget Sound (thus SOUNDER) as its back drop, this growing Northwestern metropolis is challenged by both urban growth and an increase in environmental demands. An ever increasing population is putting a strain on the transportation infrastructure of a region limited for growth by an ocean on one side and mountains on the other. For local and county governments in the Puget Sound region, a regionally coordinated mass transit system is the most logically feasible method to provide a reasonable transportation solution to a rapidly growing population. The latest advances in urban transportation technology, teamed with cutting edge urban planning and design, are resulting in a rebirth of the old Eastern U.S. style of rail commuter communities found in the Northeast Corridor.

* This Web Site is not affiliated in any way with SOUND TRANSIT or anyone else. It is intended as a quick and convenient place for me to access information pertaining to Sounder as I reproduce it on my HO model railroad layout. Any photos that have been used are also linked to the original source on the Link Page. I hope that you will agree that Sounder has one of the most attractive paint schemes currently in use by a railroad. It's bright blue is perfect for the Washington State region where it operates. Also a special thanks to Steven Brown for letting me use some of his photographs. See Steven J Brown Photos for more photographs.                                                                                                  Joe Nolasco-Rivers

photos by Steven J. Brown Stock and assignment photography. Stunning images from around the world - Featuring transportation and travel photography. Specializing in great railway journeys, passenger trains in all corners of the globe, contemporary and historic railroad subjects, steam locomotives, travel and ferry boats. Thousands of stock photos or ready to take on your special assignment!