UPDATE: Sound Transit has just announced a significant escalation in its battle against pigeons at Capitol Hill Station, as preparations ramp up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With international soccer fans expected to flood Seattle, the transit agency is intensifying cleanup efforts to ensure stations are not only presentable for visitors but also safe for daily commuters.
Every day, light rail riders at Capitol Hill Station navigate through an unsightly gauntlet of bird droppings. Sound Transit, facing increasing pressure, is investing $889,954 in a three-year contract to implement bird mitigation services at four key stations, including Capitol Hill. The agency’s chair of the ridership committee, Kristina Walker, emphasized the urgency, stating, “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 that are not just visiting.”
This intense effort comes as the agency prepares for the influx of fans in June 2026, when Seattle will host six World Cup matches. The strategy includes hiring more contractors for deep cleaning, installing additional deterrents like spikes and nets, and even considering the use of birth control pills for pigeons, known as OVO Control.
Despite ongoing attempts to mitigate the issue, pigeons continue to adapt, finding new perches and sources of food near Capitol Hill Station. The southwest entrance, located near Seattle Central College and busy eateries like Dick’s Drive-In, provides ample feeding opportunities that attract these resilient birds. Transit riders are acutely aware of the impact, with many expressing frustration over the ongoing cleanliness challenges.
A maintenance custodian at Capitol Hill, David Nixon, shared insights on the persistent problem: “The pigeons — I don’t want to say evolved, but they adapted.” With pigeon colonies thriving in the area, the agency struggles to keep the station clean, as droppings not only create an unpleasant environment but also pose risks to infrastructure.
Reports indicate that Sound Transit has previously attempted various strategies, including trapping and relocating pigeons. However, these measures have yielded limited success, as the birds quickly return to familiar locales. In another recent attempt, workers erected temporary scaffolding to install spikes in hard-to-reach areas, which pigeons used as resting spots, highlighting the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between the transit agency and the avian residents.
The financial impact of this struggle is significant. Sound Transit’s multi-year contracts for bird mitigation are part of a larger industry worth millions. The agency’s efforts are critical not just for aesthetics; bird droppings can corrode steel and lead to costly repairs over time. Unattended, these droppings can pose serious safety risks, evidenced by past incidents where infrastructure integrity was compromised.
As Sound Transit prepares for the World Cup, plans to install bird deterrents at additional stations, including Northgate and King Street, are underway. An upcoming power wash at International District/Chinatown Station aims to ensure cleanliness before the major event.
With the clock ticking and the World Cup just around the corner, Sound Transit is doubling down on its efforts to create a cleaner and safer commuting experience. The agency is also looking at innovative solutions, including the potential use of avian contraceptives to manage pigeon populations sustainably. As Rachelle Cunningham, a spokesperson for Sound Transit, noted, “Birth control might be useful at other stations,” highlighting the agency’s commitment to exploring all avenues in its battle against these persistent pests.
The struggle to keep Seattle’s transit system clean continues, and as commuters await updates, the question remains: will Sound Transit successfully tackle the pigeon problem before the world arrives? With ongoing efforts and a strategic focus, the agency is determined to make a significant impact.
