Sound Transit closed the University District Link light rail station in Seattle for four hours on Saturday due to a planned pro-Palestine demonstration. The closure was announced on social media and caused disruption for travelers, with trains bypassing the station and shuttle buses being used to replace service between two other stations. The demonstration, organized by the Palestinian Youth Movement, aimed to denounce the links between Sound Transit and multinational conglomerate, Siemens, in the context of Israeli occupation and colonization in Palestine.
The closure of the light rail station highlighted the tension and controversy surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as the ongoing protests and demonstrations in relation to the issue. It also compounded the disruption caused by Sound Transit’s emergency light rail track repairs, adding to the frustration of travelers dealing with crowding and delayed trains. The planned demonstration, supported by various organizations, sought to bring attention to the connections between public transportation agencies and corporations involved in activities related to the Israeli occupation. The closure of the light rail station, the subsequent reopening, and the continued protests reflect the ongoing discourse and activism around the issue of Palestine and its impact on various aspects of public life.