Jan. 15, 2026 — Redmond, Wash. Sound Transit has started replacing fabric seats with vinyl on light rail trains serving the 2 Line between Bellevue and Downtown Redmond following feedback from more than 2,300 passengers about stains and odors.
The agency is rolling out the change systemwide over the next few months, with some 2 Line trains already featuring the new seats, according to a KOMO News report.
Vinyl seats require only a disinfectant wipe for cleaning, compared to steam cleaning or replacement for soiled fabric, cutting labor time per vehicle by 12.5 percent.
A fall 2023 survey showed vinyl earning higher ratings in all categories, averaging 4.06 out of 5 versus 3.08 for cloth.
“The new seats are comfier, they’re cleaner, they’re easier to manage, and they’re also just gonna be more durable,” Sound Transit spokesperson Henry Bendon said.
The switch also helps address a $30 billion construction budget shortfall driven by inflation and other factors.
Riders expressed support for the update.
“I think it’s great that it will save a lot of money because that can instead be used to maybe other repairs,” weekly rider Syndel Huerta said.
“If it helps them be more sanitary, then that’s great for everyone,” regular rider Allen Applegate added.
The change follows a 2024 pilot on select vehicles and aligns with expansions on the 2 Line, which reached Downtown Redmond in May 2025 and is set to extend to Lynnwood in early 2026.
Local social media reflects rider frustrations with fabric seats. A recent X post showed a video of stained train interiors, captioned, “Now I know why @SoundTransit is moving to vinyl seats instead of cloth.”
Now I know why @SoundTransit is moving to vinyl seats instead of cloth. pic.twitter.com/abc
— PNW Conservative (@PNWConservative) January 18, 2026
