UPDATE: Sound Transit has just announced an urgent initiative to combat persistent bird droppings at several light rail stations, including the heavily trafficked Capitol Hill Station, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This proactive measure, ramping up cleanliness efforts, comes as international soccer fans are set to flood Seattle for six matches in mid-2026.
Riders at Capitol Hill Station face a daily struggle with unsightly and unhygienic bird droppings that cover the tiles and escalators. Kristina Walker, a member of the transit board and Tacoma council chair of the ridership committee, emphasized the importance of maintaining clean stations for both visitors and regular commuters. “For sure this is part of our cleanup for the World Cup,” Walker stated.
Sound Transit is investing $889,954 in a three-year contract for “downtown transit tunnel bird mitigation services” at four stations, with additional funds for deep cleaning and installing deterrents like spikes and nets. Bird control has become a necessary focus as droppings not only tarnish the appearance of stations but also corrode steel equipment, posing long-term maintenance issues.
Since the opening of Capitol Hill Station in 2016, efforts to deter pigeons have been ongoing but challenging. “The pigeons — I don’t want to say evolved, but they adapted,” said David Nixon, the lead maintenance custodian overseeing the cleaning efforts. Despite initial attempts to block bird access with nets, pigeons have continued to find new nesting spots, complicating cleanup efforts.
The problem is exacerbated by food sources nearby, such as Dick’s Drive-In and local eateries, attracting pigeons to the station’s southwest entrance. “They’re just serene. They bring happiness,” said commuter Britnee Anderson, highlighting the mixed feelings many have about the birds.
Sound Transit plans to implement additional measures, including the potential use of bird contraceptives as seen in other cities, where populations have been stabilized using such methods. “Birth control might be useful at other stations,” said Rachelle Cunningham, a spokesperson for Sound Transit.
Meanwhile, as part of their ongoing strategy, crews have recently erected scaffolding to install spikes on previously inaccessible areas, while also dealing with the aftermath of vandalism on the station’s mural. Cleaning crews work nightly but admit that on bad days, riders still encounter unpleasant conditions.
The larger issue of bird control is reflected across the region, with Sound Transit and other agencies spending millions on various deterrent strategies. The state of Washington has reported significant investments in bird mitigation across its transportation systems, including a recent $37,000 allocation for bird-proofing its new Mukilteo ferry terminal.
As the December 6, 2025 opening of the new Federal Way Downtown Station approaches, the ongoing challenge of maintaining clean and safe transit environments remains critical. Sound Transit is also preparing for a power wash of the International District/Chinatown Station right before the World Cup to ensure a welcoming atmosphere for the influx of visitors.
With preparations intensifying, the focus on cleanliness and bird control at Seattle’s transit stations highlights the intersection of urban wildlife management and public transportation—a challenge that continues to evolve. As Nixon aptly noted, “It’s very unsightly,” underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue before the world turns its eyes to Seattle.
Stay tuned for more updates as Sound Transit ramps up its efforts to combat this pressing challenge in the lead-up to the global event.
