As one of the newest Chapters in our union, the Sound Transit membership continues to grow! Fare Ambassadors are the newest group at Sound Transit to be certified as a union by the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) and will be headed to the table shortly to fight for better wages and working conditions.
While their job title might suggest that their work is only about enforcing fares – which they do effectively, resulting in over 90 percent in rider compliance – the role of the Fare Ambassadors is much broader and far more community-centered than most people think. In fact, fare enforcement is less than half of their job.
According to Sound Transit, Fare Ambassadors spend over a third of their time directly servicing the public. They answer passenger questions, support riders during service disruptions, and connect individuals in need with social services. Fare Ambassadors also welcome visitors to our region, helping them navigate a system they might not be familiar with. For many riders, Fare Ambassadors are the first, and most visible, representatives of Sound Transit.
“We’re the interface through which passengers most directly and frequently interact with the agency, and leaving a good impression with passengers, even when giving a warning, can have lasting positive effects for both the passengers and Sound Transit,” said Fare Ambassador Dante Morelli.
Beyond customer service, Fare Ambassadors act as the agency’s eyes and ears on the ground. They are often the first to identify maintenance issues or technical safety concerns and report them back to the agency. Their work keeps the system moving smoothly and safely for everyone.
The work of Fare Ambassadors is also demanding. They are in the field 365 days a year, from early morning until late night. They dedicate their time, energy, and passion for public transit to serve riders and their communities. Their commitment shows why fair compensation and safe working conditions are essential – not just for themselves but for the countless people who depend on their support every day.
“Every shift brings new opportunities to connect with riders and assist visitors from out of town, which makes this role exceptionally rewarding,” said Fare Ambassador Lotovale Purcell. “There’s something incredibly fulfilling about guiding people in the right direction and seeing their faces light up with a smile. Those moments make my job not just a duty but a joy.”
If you know of colleagues who want to unionize, reach out to Organizing Director Jessica Olivas at .