Keep an eye out for talented buskers in Seattle’s light rail stations this holiday season.
A change is coming to a Seattle Link light rail station near you. Sound Transit is reversing their previous rules about buskers in Seattle’s light rail stations. According to Sound Transit, these buskers may be “professional musicians, music teachers, or students who want to share their music with the world.” Most buskers perform for free but donations are accepted by some.
Previously, Sound Transit did not allow buskers to perform inside Link light rail stations. They cited safety and congestion as the main reasons.
The new busking pilot program in Seattle’s light rail stations comes after “feedback from performers” and research. Now Sound Transit is partnering with Seattle Parks and Recreation to bring buskers to stations, starting with the busy Westlake Station. You’ll be able to catch buskers perform at the mezzanine landing by the Pine and 6th Avenue entrance of the Westlake station on weekdays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Other than those reserved hours at Westlake Station, buskers can perform on a first-come, first-served basis at designated busking locations at other stations. If you see a star at a Link light rail station, that indicates a busking location.
These are the Link light rail stations in Seattle that will be featuring buskers:
- Northgate
- Roosevelt
- U District
- Westlake
- University Street
- Pioneer Square
- International District/Chinatown
So when you’re rushing about this busy holiday season in Seattle’s light rail stations, be sure to slow down to appreciate the music around you.
Read more on soundtransit.org.