UPDATE: Sound Transit is intensifying efforts to clean up bird droppings at Capitol Hill Station ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With international soccer fans expected to flood Seattle for six matches, transit officials are stepping up maintenance to ensure a pleasant experience for riders.
Each day, commuters navigate the station, often dodging unsightly piles of bird droppings that stain tiles and escalator frames. Kristina Walker, a transit board member and Tacoma council member, emphasized the urgency: “For sure this is part of our cleanup for the World Cup, but I also want to make sure we have clean stations for our riders.”
To tackle the issue, Sound Transit has allocated $889,954 for a three-year contract focused on “downtown transit tunnel bird mitigation services.” This includes hiring more contractors for deep cleaning and installing deterrents like spikes and nets. Authorities are even considering avian contraceptives to manage the pigeon population, which has increasingly adapted to urban environments.
The problem is not just cosmetic; unchecked bird droppings can corrode steel and lead to costly repairs. In a notable incident, the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis suffered structural damage due to a buildup of droppings, raising serious safety concerns. In Seattle, David Nixon, a lead maintenance custodian, pointed out the challenges: “The pigeons — I don’t want to say evolved, but they adapted.”
Despite ongoing efforts, pigeons continue to find new perches within the station, drawn by food scraps from nearby establishments like Dick’s Drive-In. Commuters like Britnee and Rob Anderson have mixed feelings about the birds. “I’m a pigeon lover. They’re just serene,” Britnee stated, reflecting the emotional ties some have with the creatures.
As the World Cup approaches, Sound Transit is also planning to wash down stations, including the International District/Chinatown Station, to ensure they are presentable for visitors. The agency is anticipating an increase in foot traffic and is taking proactive measures to enhance the commuter experience.
Notably, Sound Transit previously experimented with trapping pigeons and relocating them, but the birds returned. The continuous cycle of cleaning and mitigation highlights the ongoing struggle against urban wildlife.
In a broader context, bird deterrence has become a significant challenge for transit authorities nationwide, as cities grapple with similar issues. For example, Washington State has invested heavily in bird-proofing infrastructure, with some contracts exceeding $18 million for comprehensive solutions.
Looking ahead, Sound Transit plans to install additional bird-deterrent features at various stations and is set to launch a new $344,000 project at King Street Station. As the cleanup efforts ramp up, officials are determined to create a more welcoming environment for both local riders and international guests.
As this situation develops, commuters can expect to see ongoing changes at Capitol Hill Station and other transit hubs, all in preparation for the excitement of the upcoming World Cup.
