[UPDATE 3:26pm: Metro is reporting that DSTT operations are returning to normal]

[UPDATE 3:05pm: ST/Metro are now reporting that the DSTT is closed. Link terminates at Stadium Station, DSTT buses using surface routes.]

[UPDATE 2:18pm: Power is restored.]

There’s a power outage that extends at least from the ID to Columbia City. Street lights are out, but I’ve visually confirmed that trolleybuses and Link are still operating. However, expect delays as vehicles must operate safely at intersections and signalized crossings.

21 Replies to “Power Outage; Transit Still Running”

  1. The trolley buses run on separate circuits. The way it was explained to me, that keeps the lights on in surrounding buildings when somebody brings down trolley wire. Of course the opposite is true too.

    I had the experience of driving along and then suddenly losing power for no apparent reason. I coasted to a stop and set the parking brake. Shortly afterwards the coordinator came on to let us know that there was wire down somewhere on Rainier. I don’t recall the exact positions but it was quite a distance. Either way, you all get the idea.

    2. The southern trolleybus substation is in Mt. Baker. So a wire down on Rainier could take out quite a lot.

    3. So I’ve always wondered what the “POWER OFF” signs that hang from the wires are. Do those mark the line between separate circuits?

      1. Yes. Those are dead spots although I think those signs are really old and not all completely accurate. The last time I drove trolleys, we just look for the physical wiring that indicates a dead spot and do our best to not get stuck in it or bounce passengers around by keeping our foot on the accelerator.

  5. KC Metro sent out email at 2:47pm and 2:54 indicating that the Transit Tunnel is closed and that “Central Link light rail service is temporarily interrupted until further notice.”

    Are those emailed already outdated?

    1. I guess so. 3:10pm email:

      “All buses using the downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel have resumed their regular routes and stops through the tunnel.

      Central Link light rail service currently starts and ends all trips at Stadium Station, and is not serving the tunnel.

      To get to Stadium Station for connections to Link trains, board bus routes 101, 106 or 150 from southbound Bay C in any tunnel station.”

      1. 3:42pm email:

        “All service using the downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel have resumed their
        regular routes and stops through the tunnel.”

  6. I was on a train that lost power as it was pulling out southbound from ID Station. The buses backed up behind, and eventually started pulling around to the left after 10-15 minutes. We started to go forward, and were told by the conductor that there was still a computer glitch being worked out. We stayed there about another five minutes. The conductor made a couple annnouncements about the blackout after we stalled just south of the station.

    The stall occured around 3:00. Word was not getting out that power was down along the line. No further announcements were made once we got going. Abandonding the mission, I got off at Beacon Hill Station.

    There was a group of Canadian students on board panicking to make a bus connection at the airport to head north to Vancouver. Someone was talking to them about the 194 and how it used to be so much faster and more reliable. I told him the 194 let me down the last time I tried to take it, when Snowpocalypse hit. Were you on the same train I was, Norman?

  7. The “Streetlights” did not go out, as they should not have been on at 2 in the afternoon (unless they have a faulty photo-eye or timer which should be reported).

    The Traffic Signals went out.

    And how many of the fine motorists, who complain about bicyclists breaking traffic laws, treated those darkened Traffic Signals as four-way stops? Hmmmm?

    1. Hmmm… We had a power outage in Kent on Monday morning and many drivers didn’t even slow down approaching the traffic lights which were out of service. This includes a metro bus as well surprisingly.

  8. I was at IDS when it happened. It was kinda creepy. At least it’s not fully enclosed. Generators kicked on and restored the passenger information signs and ORCA readers, but lights did not come back on

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