All Photo Credits: Visit Seattle/Rachael Jones Media

In celebration of MLB All-Star Week in Seattle July 7-11, 2023, the Seattle Center Monorail presents the first-ever art installation on monorail guideway columns! In collaboration with Visit Seattle, Seattle Monorail Services, Seattle Center, and Climate Pledge Arena, local muralist Brady Black created sixteen murals depicting eight baseball players and eight Seattle sports fans to adorn the monorail columns. Highlighting both players and fans alike, Black wanted to signify the connection between baseball and the community. When designing the murals, Black utilized a paint-by-number system allowing both youth artists from Urban ArtWorks as well Seattle residents to participate in the mural creation.

“I am thrilled to announce an extraordinary public art program that celebrates the talents of our local artists and pays tribute to the stars of baseball,” says Marshall Foster, Interim Director of Seattle Center. “This groundbreaking initiative merges the worlds of sports and art, captivating our community and visitors alike. The Seattle Center Monorail, an iconic symbol of our city, will transform the support columns along 5th Ave into a moving gallery, adorned with stunning renderings created by our talented local artists. We invite everyone to join us in experiencing this unique installation downtown as we celebrate and welcome MLB All-Star Week to Seattle and embrace the dynamic fusion of athletics and art!”

Reflecting on the Seattle Center Monorail’s importance as a community connector – especially during major citywide events – Seattle Monorail Services President Megan Ching says, “Seattle Center Monorail was built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair to provide a fast, direct connection between downtown and the Fairgrounds. Sixty years later, the system continues to serve as an important transportation link to Seattle Center and its surrounding neighborhoods. We look forward to welcoming baseball fans to our city! We are excited to play our part in supporting local artists, promoting major civic events, and helping to re-energize downtown Seattle with new and interesting art displayed on this historic system.”

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You’re invited! Join us for the Monorail’s 60^th Birthday Celebration at Seattle Center Station on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. Stop by for snacks and fun – enjoy music, activities, raffle prizes, memorabilia on display, and we hope you’ll sign our birthday banner! The festivities begin at 11:30am, and the first 200 guests to arrive will receive a special commemorative monorail coin. The Monorail will be free to ride from 11:00am-1:00pm for the festivities!

Where: Seattle Center Monorail Station (near the Space Needle)

When: 11:30am-1:00pm on Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Who: Open to the public

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Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday: 7:30am-9:00pm

Saturday-Sunday: 8:30am-9:00pm

Hours of operation will be extended for events at Climate Pledge Arena to provide transportation to and from Arena events. For a full list of extended hours of operation for Arena events, Visit Here.

*Please check our “Rider Alerts” for current updates.

Below is a comprehensive list of COVID-19 safety measures at the Seattle Center Monorail.

Safety Procedures & Social Distancing Implementation

• Seattle Monorail Services strongly encourages wearing a mask in the stations and on the trains.
• To reduce our employee’s exposure to germs, the Monorail is only accepting ORCA cards and credit/debit cards. The Monorail is temporarily suspending the acceptance of cash, which requires employees to handle bills and coins from the customer and increases risk to our employees.
• Regular PA announcements encouraging people to spread out on the platform and inside the train to abide by social distancing guidelines.
• Stanchions are blocking off the far ends of both trains to provide distance between where the public sits, and where our monorail drivers sit and operate the trains. Find a seat anywhere else on the train, but not next to or behind the monorail driver.
• The doors closet to the drivers (at the very far ends of each train) are temporarily turned off to prevent passengers from boarding or disembarking near the driver.

Our Cleaning Procedures

The following protocols are implemented to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19:

• Seattle Monorail Services (SMS) is only operating one train per day to ensure concentrated effort on sanitizing the train that is carrying passengers.
• Each day, a deep clean occurs on the train that will be in service the next day.
• All employees are provided with paid breaks throughout their shifts to go and wash their hands and wipe down their workstations. SMS employees will clean their workstations before and after their scheduled shift and their designated breaks; all employees will be provided with ample paid time to do this.

Employee Protocols

In addition to recommendations from the CDC and FTA guidance, all SMS employees are required to adhere to the following procedures:

• Mandatory temperature checks occur for all SMS employees before they begin a shift.
• All employees are provided with Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) which includes washable cloth masks and nitrile gloves.
• All employees are required to wear masks during their shift.
• All employees completed a mandatory training on online safety training. All employees have completed the training before returning to work. Hands-on training is also provided on-site. Safety and disinfecting processes are audited by managers and supervisors.
• All employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to be eligible to be scheduled unless SMS has formally waived the requirement due to a written physician recommendation or employee notification of sincerely help religious beliefs against the vaccination.

Signage

The signage below reflects current safety protocols and is posted in stations, on ticket booths, and throughout the trains.

The post Seattle Center Monorail Reopening Information appeared first on Seattle Monorail.

Since 1962, Seattle Center Monorail has been the fastest, most direct way to travel between downtown and Seattle Center. Today, we are excited to announce a partnership between Seattle Monorail Services and NHL Seattle! Seattle Monorail Services (SMS) is the private company that operates the City-owned Monorail through a Concession Agreement. Seattle Center Monorail will be included as a key transportation partner for the new Arena opening in 2021.

In just shy of a month from now, Seattle Center Monorail will celebrate its 58^th year of service in Seattle. The Monorail was built for the 1962 World’s Fair. During the six months of the Fair, this system carried over 8 million passengers, equivalent to about 45,000 passengers per day.

SMS is thrilled about the commitment NHL Seattle has made to identify alternative ways to manage transportation.

SMS and NHL Seattle will make private capital investments at Westlake Station that will double system capacity, improve accessibility, and better connect the Monorail with the regional transit network. These improvements are an investment in an enduring and iconic system, leveraging the vision that City leaders had nearly six decades ago.

These improvements were informed by the Station Configuration Evaluation Report completed by VIA Architecture in 2018. A major recommendation from the study was to increase capacity by decreasing the amount of time it takes to load and unload passengers from each train. Monorail station improvements seek to accomplish the following:

• Once the improvements are implemented at Westlake Station, passengers will be able to exit and enter the monorail through all eight doors.
• Vertical access to street level, Link Light Rail, and parking will be improved with access to Westlake Center’s retail elevator and escalators during peak ridership periods in addition to the existing elevator and stairwell which already provide direct access to 5th Avenue and the Downtown Transit Tunnel.
• At Seattle Center Station, during peak ridership periods, the platform will be able to be reconfigured to allow boarding from both exterior platforms, currently where passengers are used to exiting from, to maximize capacity and keep lines moving quickly.
• Operationally, at both stations, SMS is working towards a solution where passengers will be able to tap their ORCA cards or redeem their monorail tickets at automated fare gates; passengers who need to purchase their tickets will be able to do so at ticket kiosks.

VIA Architecture is working with Seattle Monorail Services and NHL Seattle to design this transformative project.

Public transportation is an important way attendees will get to NHL games at the new Arena. Today, NHL Seattle also announced that they will offer subsidized public transit for all fans attending hockey games at the New Arena.

NHL Seattle becomes the first Seattle-based sports franchise and only the third professional sports organization in the U.S. to offer a free public transit benefit for fans. Only the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors have similar programs-and Seattle’s is by far the most ambitious. The only exception will be fans who already receive ORCA card subsidies from employers.

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Ever wished you could go inside a storybook? In Story Drama we go beyond reenactment to create new characters and dramatic situations in which we work together to overcome all sorts of challenges. Experience the excitement of drama and working as an ensemble while actively enjoying the best in children’s literature.

Saturday October 28, 2017 at 10:30 – 11:30 am

Climb aboard our parked train for an interactive presentation of the book Leonardo the Terrible by Mo Willems!

THE BOOK

Leonardo is truly a terrible monster—terrible at being a monster, that is. No matter how hard he tries, he can’t seem to frighten anyone. Determined to succeed, Leonardo sets himself to training and research, only to find that scaring people isn’t quite as satisfying as he thought it would be.

WHO THIS IS FOR

Children ages 3.5–5 and their accompanying adult, up to 80 guests.

DETAILS

• Receive a free round-trip ticket to ride the Monorail
• Qualify for a door prize
• Restrooms available at the Armory

Click here to register!

Hosted by the Seattle Monorail

Presented by Seattle Children’s Theatre

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Ever wished you could go inside a storybook? In Story Drama we go beyond reenactment to create new characters and dramatic situations in which we work together to overcome all sorts of challenges. Experience the excitement of drama and working as an ensemble while actively enjoying the best in children’s literature.

Saturday September 16, 2017 at 10:30 – 11:30 am

Climb aboard our parked train for an interactive presentation of the book Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri!

THE BOOK

Dragons love tacos. If you want to lure a bunch of dragons to your party, you should definitely serve tacos. Unfortunately, where there are tacos, there is also salsa. And if a dragon accidentally eats spicy salsa . . . oh, boy. You’re in red-hot trouble.

WHO THIS IS FOR

Children ages 3.5–5 and their accompanying adult, up to 80 guests.

DETAILS

• Receive a free round-trip ticket to ride the Monorail
• Qualify for a door prize
• Restrooms available at the Armory

Click here to here to register!

Hosted by the Seattle Monorail

Presented by Seattle Children’s Theatre

The post Experience Story Drama Aboard the Seattle Monorail! appeared first on Seattle Monorail.

It’s hard to believe that 54 years have passed since the Seattle Center Monorail opened for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. We’re thrilled that the original trains are still operating and are in better condition than they’ve ever been. Please join us at Seattle Center Station (next to the Space Needle) to sign the birthday card, enter to win a raffle prize and receive free delicious snacks!

We hope you will come and celebrate with us – stop by Seattle Center Station on March 24^th from 12-1:30 PM. On the way to the train, you can sign our birthday card and get free KuKuRuZa Popcorn! The flavors are Hawaiian Salted Caramel and Cheddar Cheese. YUM!

Stop by and show your love! We hope to see you there!

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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.

The post The Monorail carries its two millionth passenger for the year! appeared first on Seattle Monorail.

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:

The post Lost and Found Otter appeared first on Seattle Monorail.

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.

The post Seattle Center Monorail Carries Two Million Passengers in 2012! appeared first on Seattle Monorail.

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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