Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Sound Transit Begins Rolling Out Cell Service In Tunnels

A train rolls through the University of Washington Station, where there will soon be cell service.
Monica Spain
/
KPLU
A train rolls through the University of Washington Station, where there will soon be cell service.

When you're running late waiting for a bus or train in the transit tunnels in Seattle, there's usually no way to text or call while you're underground. But soon, that won't be a problem.

Sound Transit began rolling out cell service this week between the University of Washington and Westlake tunnel stations. 

Not everyone will be able to use their phones right away. The company providing the infrastructure for the service has to work with each carrier individually. 

T-Mobile users should be able to get service now, while Verizon and AT&T users will have to wait until September. 

Sound Transit expects to add cell service through the downtown stations later this fall and in Beacon Hill next year. More information about the rollout can be found on the agency's website.

A Seattle native and former KNKX intern, Simone Alicea spent four years as a producer and reporter at KNKX. She earned her Bachelor's of Journalism from Northwestern University and covered breaking news for the Chicago Sun-Times. During her undergraduate career, she spent time in Cape Town, South Africa, covering metro news for the Cape Times.