The Seattle Center Monorail is thrilled to announce we have had our 2 millionth passenger ride the Monorail for the year! Vivian Flores, who rode along with her father Glenn and her grandmother Norma, marked our two million rider milestone for 2014.

Vivian and Glenn, both Seattle locals, had just returned from Chihuly Garden and Glass with Norma, who is visiting from Ohio! Vivian was awarded a Monorail VIP Pass, two tickets to Pacific Science Center and a Monorail t-shirt!

We want to thank all of our riders for helping us reach this milestone and we look forward to carrying many more passengers in December!

The Monorail was built for the 1962 Worlds Fair. The trains travel directly between Seattle Center and Westlake Center, leaving approximately every 10 minutes.

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A trip to Victoria wouldn’t be complete without having Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress! Tea has been served at The Fairmont Empress for over a century! Otter was impressed by The Empress tea which was created exclusively for The Fairmont Empress by the Metropolitan Tea Company.

Monorail Bunny and Otter had the opportunity to stay at the Inn at Laurel Point! It was just a quick walk from the Victoria Clipper Terminal. After Bunny and Otter checked in, they found some wonderful snacks waiting for them! Veggies and jellybeans for Bunny and Oysters for Otter! What a welcome!

Monorail Bunny and Otter were so excited to go visit The Butchart Gardens! They were in awe of the incredible Sunken Garden.  In 1909, Jenny Butchart took on the ambitious project of transforming an exhausted limestone quarry into this beautiful garden! It’s stunning!

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Do you recognize this Otter? He was left behind on the Monorail yesterday and we are trying to locate his owner. Monorail Bunny is keeping him company while they wait for Otter’s owner to come and find him.

In 2012, Monorail Bunny was accidentally left behind on the Monorail.  After spending months looking for his owner, we adopted Bunny and now he travels on adventures all over Seattle.  We’re still hopeful that we’ll find Otter’s owner.

Please help us spread the word and let us know if you have any leads. In the meantime, Monorail Bunny decided to give Otter a tour of Seattle Center while they wait. Here’s some photos from their time exploring Seattle Center:

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We decided to adopt Monorail Bunny and give him a new home here in Seattle.  Monorail Bunny’s adventures began when we posted photos of Monorail Bunny exploring the Monorail – people really enjoyed seeing Bunny go behind the scenes at the Monorail.  Afterwards, several local attractions invited Bunny to come visit them.  Monorail Bunny first went to ride a duck with Ride the Ducks of Seattle.  Bunny got to sit on the captain’s hat and enjoy a ride in an amphibious vehicle.  After that, Monorail Bunny got to see the King Tut exhibit at the Pacific Science Center – it was an incredible opportunity to see the exhibit, incredible artifacts and explore the Pacific Science Center!

Since then, Monorail Bunny has received many wonderful invitations from attractions all over Washington. Bunny has had incredible adventures at Woodland Park Zoo, he saw the beautiful tulip fields in La Conner, he swung from a chandelier at Teatro ZinZanni, he won the presidential election at Seattle Children’s Museum, Bunny got meet the Astronaut from the Museum of Flight, and he enjoyed beautiful views of Seattle from the Space Needle. Monorail Bunny even got to travel to paradise to enjoy a vacation in Hawaii!

In all, over 500,000 people have seen Monorail Bunny’s adventures over the past two years. Bunny loves traveling around our beautiful city and looks forward to many more adventures to come!

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This year, we have 150 Treehouse foster kids and their families joining us on November 29th!  During our holiday celebration, guests will have a chance to explore the Monorail train, enjoy snacks and beverages, and have fun artwork created just for them by balloon and caricature artists!  Afterwards, Treehouse kids and families board Red Train for a very special, Treehouse-only VIP ride on the Red Train to Westlake Center.

During the ride the Westlake Center, Red Train will make several stops along the route so families can take photos and enjoy the views of the city and the Space Needle.  We also give away incredible raffle prizes during this special ride – these prizes provide access to many of Seattle’s premier attractions.  Prizes were generously donated by: Seattle Aquarium, the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Ride the Ducks of Seattle, Argosy Cruises, Woodland Park Zoo, Wild Waves Theme Park, Seattle Children’s Museum, Pacific Science Center, Museum of Flight, and the Underground Tour.

After they leave the Monorail, the very special guests will have the opportunity sit at the VIP area of the PANDORA Jewelry Holiday Carousel for a front-row seat to the annual tree lighting ceremony! After the dazzling lighting event, Treehouse kids will be invited to pick a horse on  the Holiday Carousel for the “first ride of the season”!

We understand that the holidays can be a difficult time for kids in foster care. We are thankful for the opportunity to be able to help foster kids and families feel extra special this holiday season.

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Monorail Bunny had the chance to visit Jubilee Biodynamic Farm in Carnation, Washington to pick out some pumpkins from their pumpkin patch! Bunny had a wonderful time exploring the pumpkin patch and learning all about squash and gourds! Bunny will be carving pumpkins this weekend – we’ll post photos of his next adventure on our Facebook page next week!

In 2012, Bunny was accidentally left behind on the Seattle Center Monorail.  One of our cashiers discovered the Bunny and brought him to our administrative offices.  We spent months trying to locate the Bunny’s owner via social media, but were unsuccessful.  The Monorail adopted the Bunny and Monorail Bunny now travels on adventures all over Seattle.  Bunny has swung from a chandelier at Teatro ZinZanni.  He saw the King Tut exhibit at Pacific Science Center.  He got to drive an amphibious vehicle at Ride the Ducks.  He met a python at Woodland Park Zoo.  He learned lots at the Seattle Aquarium.  He learned how to make a pie at Pie inside the Armory.  He’s explored Pike Place Market.  He met the Astronaut at Museum of Flight and much more!

Here are some photos from Monorail Bunny’s pumpkin patch visit.  To see the full album, please click HERE.  If you’re interested in seeing photos from previous adventures, you can visit our Facebook Page and click on ‘Photos’ and view our ‘Albums’ where all of the adventure photos are located.

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In February 2012, Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau (SCVB) named Jayme Gustilo the 2012 Tourism Ambassador of the Year. Jayme was selected from dozens of nominations by a judging committee that represented a cross section of the tourism and travel industry.

In more than 20 years on the job, Jayme Gustilo, Lead Monorail Cashier, has served over eight million Seattle Center Monorail passengers, selling tickets, answering questions and narrating the 90-second city tour on each ride. During his career at the Monorail, Jayme has been on the train for approximately 165,000 monorail miles.

During his time as the 2012 Tourism Ambassador of the Year, Jayme met with many of his fellow nominated Seattle Tourism Ambassadors.  Some of the highlights from Jayme’s time as Ambassador include speaking at Pacific Place Mall’s Tourism Tenant Meeting about the importance of exceeding customer expectations, being interviewed about the Monorail’s 50th Anniversary by Meeghan Black on Evening Magazine, and being a guest speaker at the Seattle Hotel Association’s Annual Meeting to share his experiences and talk about the importance of tourism.

In February 2013, Jayme will pass on the torch to a new Seattle Tourism Ambassador.

Seattle Monorail Services commends Jayme for his above-and-beyond commitment to tourism and customer service.  Jayme has been an incredible Ambassador for Seattle as the Seattle Center Monorail celebrates its 50th year of service.

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Monorail Bunny visited KeyArena and met Dizzy of the Harlem Globetrotters.  Dizzy taught Bunny all sorts of fun basketball tricks as they explored KeyArena together.

The Harlem Globetrotters play at KeyArena on February 18, 2013 at 2pm.  For more information and tickets, click here.

In the summer of 2012, Monorail Bunny was accidentally left behind on the Monorail by a passenger.  The Monorail conductor found the Bunny on the train and brought him back to the administrative office.  We have tried to located Bunny’s owner by using social media to share Bunny’s adventures around Seattle.  The Monorail has adopted Monorail Bunny and Bunny continues to visit local Seattle attractions as he patiently waits to be reunited with his original owner.

If you enjoy Monorail Bunny’s adventures, you can purchase a 2012 Monorail Bunny calendar on our website.  Click here for information.

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Monorail Bunny had a wonderful opportunity to visit the Seattle Aquarium and meet all sorts of marine animals.  Bunny met sea otters, giant pacific octopus, cowfish, seahorses, jellyfish and more!

Seattle Aquarium is currently featuring ‘Hawaii Weekend‘ on January 26-27, 2013 – it’s a colorful celebration of their Pacific Coral Reef exhibit with lots of hands-on activities and colorful tropical fish!  In honor of Hawaii Weekend, Bunny wore a traditional Kukui nut necklace from Hawaii.  Below are some of the photos from Bunny’s adventures.  You can see the full photo album on our Facebook page by clicking here.

Monorail Bunny was accidentally left behind by a passenger on the Monorail during summer 2012.  The Bunny was found by the Monorail conductor and brought to the Seattle Monorail Services office.  We have been using social media to try to locate Bunny’s owner.  We have adopted Bunny and he now travels all over Seattle going on adventures of our beautiful city while he patiently waits to be reunited with his owner.

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Tuesday, December 18, 2012: Seattle Center Monorail will reach the two-million passenger milestone for this year.  The two millionth passenger will be recognized and awarded with a special prize on the Monorail platform.  We are thrilled to have carried this many passengers this year as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Seattle Center Monorail and the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair.

Seattle Center Monorail celebrated its 50th anniversary on March 24, 2012.  Each Monorail train has traveled over one-million miles.  Seattle Center Monorail was built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair to provide a crucial link between the fairgrounds and amenities downtown.  The Monorail is owned by the city of Seattle and operated by Seattle Monorail Services LLC.

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On Friday, November 23, 2012 at 3:00 p.m., Seattle Center Monorail and Downtown Seattle Association will partner together to hold a VIP holiday event for Treehouse foster kids and families for the ‘Ride Into the Holidays’ event.

Event guests have been invited to gather on the Seattle Center Monorail platform for a holiday celebration.  They will be served hot chocolate and treats while enjoying entertainment from a caricature artist and balloon twister.

At 3:45 p.m., the group will board the Monorail Red Train for an exclusive Treehouse-only ride to Westlake.  The train will stop along the route where the group will have a chance to take photos of the Space Needle and will enjoy receiving raffle prizes from generous donors including: Seattle Aquarium, Argosy Cruises, Pacific Science Center, Seattle Children’s Museum and Safeco Field Tours.

Upon arriving at Westlake Center Monorail Platform, Treehouse kids and families will be escorted from the Monorail to the VIP area of the DSA Holiday Carousel presented by KING 5, for a front-row seat to the annual tree lighting ceremony.  After the lighting, they’ll be invited to pick a horse on the Carousel for the “first ride of the season.”  Over one hundred Treehouse kids and families are expected for the event.

Understanding that the holidays can be an especially difficult time for kids in foster care, the Seattle Monorail Services and the Downtown Seattle Association wanted to do something special for Treehouse kids.  During the holiday season, foster kids are reminded of the family they have temporarily – or sometimes permanently – lost, and holiday activities are often cost-prohibitive for caregivers. For many of the kids, this event will be their first experience riding the Monorail.

About Treehouse:

Treehouse is Washington’s leading nonprofit organization addressing the essential education and enrichment needs of kids in foster care.  Treehouse helps 6,000 foster kids each year through programs that help them succeed in school, fulfill key material needs, and provide important childhood experiences every child deserves.  Learn more at treehouseforkids.org.

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How late and how often do the Monorail trains run?

How long is the ride?

Do you take ORCA, Debit/Credit Cards, or Sound Transit Cards?

Is there a student discount?

Can I get to the Sea-Tac airport by taking the Monorail?

Can you transfer to other routes?

Is the Monorail handicap/stroller accessible?

Are dogs allowed on the Monorail?

How do I get to the Pike Place Market from the Monorail?

How do I get to the Space Needle from the Monorail?

What are the Monorail holiday hours?

Do I need to purchase tickets in advance for my family?

Where does the Monorail go?

The Monorail travels directly between Westlake Center Mall (5th Avenue and Pine Street) and Seattle Center (adjacent to the Space Needle and EMP Museum). There is only one stop so you won’t get lost!

How late and how often do the Monorail trains run?

Currently, the Monorail is open until 11 PM daily. On certain days, the monorail may be open even later due to events at Seattle Center. Please check our Rider Alerts on the homepage to check the days and times we open late! The train departs approximately every 10 minutes.

How long is the ride?

The Monorail takes about 2 minutes to get from one platform to the other.

Do you accept ORCA, Debit/Credit Cards, or Sound Transit Cards?

We do not take ORCA, Debit/Credit, or Sound Transit cards. The only form of payment accepted is cash. You do not need exact fare. If you are in need of cash, there are ATM machines located next to the BBQ stand inside Westlake Center Mall and at Seattle Center at the bottom of the Monorail ramp or inside the Armory.

Is there a student discount?

We do not have a student discount at the monorail. If you are a school group riding the Monorail for a field trip, please fill out our online school group registration form to be eligible for a school group rate. You must fill this form out at least one business day in advance.

Can I get to Sea-Tac Airport by using the Monorail?

No, the Sound Transit Link Light Rail travels between Sea-Tac Airport and Westlake Center Mall. The Monorail only travels between downtown’s Westlake Center Mall and Seattle Center. You can use the Link Light Rail and Monorail to travel between Sea-Tac Airport and Seattle Center – great for if you want to visit the Space Needle during a long lay-over!

• To get from Sea-Tac Airport to Seattle Center, look for signs in the airport for Sound Transit Link Light Rail. Catch the light rail from Sea-Tac Airport and get off at Westlake Center (the very last stop). From the transit tunnel at Westlake, look for signs for the Monorail, you can take the elevator (with ‘MONORAIL’ written above it) up to to the Westlake Center Monorail station located on the third floor of Westlake Center. Then, you can purchase a Monorail ticket to ride directly to Seattle Center, home of the Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, KeyArena and more! Please keep in mind that the Monorail is cash only, no credit cards please.
  
• To get from Seattle Center to Sea-Tac Airport, buy a Monorail ticket at the Seattle Center Monorail station and ride the monorail train to Westlake Center. As you exit the Monorail at Westlake Center, you will see an elevator and stairwell on the far left side of the platform, use either option to go to all the way to the bottom level to the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel. From there, buy a ticket and ride the Sound Transit Central Link Light Rail which carries passengers between Westlake Center Station and Sea-Tac Airport (the light rail makes 11 stops in between Westlake and Sea-Tac; the trip takes approximately 35 minutes).

Can you transfer to other routes?

Westlake Center is one of Seattle’s transportation hubs. You cannot use your Monorail ticket to travel on another form of transportation, but there are several other forms of public transit in close walking distance. The Sound Transit Link Light Rail travels between Westlake Station and Sea-Tac Airport in the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel. The Seattle Streetcar travels between Westlake HUB (across the street from the Monorail at 5th Ave and Olive Way) and South Lake Union.

Is the Monorail handicap/stroller accessible?

Yes! At Westlake Center, you can access the platform from the elevator located on 5th Ave (between Olive and Pine). At Seattle Center, there are ramps that allow for easy access. There are yellow gates at Seattle Center platform that pull out to allow wheelchairs easy entrance into the trains.

Are dogs allowed on the Monorail?

Dogs are allowed as long as they are well-behaved and on a leash. On busy/crowded days, it is possible that the owner may be asked to hold their dog in their lap.

How do I get to Pike Place Market from the Monorail?

When traveling from Seattle Center to Westlake Center via the Monorail, exit the train and take the stairwell or elevator on the left side of the platform to the street level. Turn right on 5th Avenue and then make your first right on Pine Street and walk down to 1st Avenue.

How do I get to the Space Needle from the Monorail?

Ride the Monorail from Westlake Center to Seattle Center. When you exit the train, walk down the ramp from the Seattle Center platform and the Space Needle will be straight ahead . Don’t forget to look up!

What are the Monorail holiday hours for 2012?

Thanksgiving:

• On Thanksgiving Day (11/22/13), the Monorail will be closed.
• On November 23, 2013, the Monorail will open at 7 AM.

Christmas:

• On Christmas Eve, the Monorail will close early at 7 PM.
• On Christmas Day, the Monorail will be closed.

New Year’s Eve:

• On December 31, 2012, the Monorail will be open until 1 AM
• ** Due to regulations, Monorail will carry its last passengers from Westlake Center to Seattle Center at approximately 11:15 PM. We will resume service from Seattle Center to Westlake Center once we receive the ‘ALL CLEAR’ from the Fire Marshall (estimated to be 12:20 AM). So, from 11:15 PM to approximately 12:20 AM, the Monorail will not be in service.

New Year’s Day:

• On Tuesday, January 1, 2013, the Monorail will open from 10 AM to 9 PM
• Children under 12 can ride for free from 10 AM to noon!

Do I need to purchase tickets in advance for my family?

You do not need to purchase advanced tickets for personal visits. Please purchase your tickets from the Monorail cashier – the cashier will either be inside the ticket booth on the platform or will be on board the train selling tickets – signage on the ticket booth will indicate where you will purchase your ticket! Please make sure your whole group is present as you purchase the ticket because your entire group will then proceed into the loading area to board the train. Advanced prepaid group tickets are available for large groups, conventions and/or organizations.

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We have been posting photo albums of all of his adventures around the city.  Some of his visits include Pacific Science Center, The Children’s Museum, EMP Museum, Teatro ZinZanni and Seattle Center.  Here are some of our favorite photos from Monorail Bunny’s adventures:

All Monorail Bunny photos can be viewed from our Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/seattlemonorail

If you or someone you know lost this Bunny on the Monorail, please contact us immediately. Thanks!

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While the bunny is at our monorail, he has had a few adventures. Here are some pictures of all the fun he has been having! Check out the complete album on our Facebook page!

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