U.S. Sen. Patty Murray joined Sound Transit officials and others on Friday afternoon in officially dedicating the Tacoma Dome Station alongside Freighthouse Square.

“The Tacoma Dome Station will play a vital role in getting people moving through Tacoma and the Puget Sound,” Murray said. “Whether you are going to work, to school, or to play, this new station will provide South Sound residents a ticket to ride anywhere in the region.”

At the new station – which was designed with the character and history of Freighthouse Square in mind – commuters can connect with Sounder, Tacoma Link light rail, ST Express and Pierce Transit bus services, Greyhound and nearby Amtrak.

“The opening of this station is significant for commuters in this community,” said Sound Transit Board Chair/King County Executive Ron Sims.

In addition to providing the first truly multi-modal transportation hub in the state, those on hand touted Tacoma Dome Station’s impact on the local economy.

This type of incentive strengthens the economy, Murray said, adding it will attract new businesses to the city.

“Tacoma’s development – in part – is due to transportation improvements,” she said.

“The opening of the new Sounder Station is an important part of the downtown Tacoma renaissance,” said Sound Transit Boardmember/Tacoma City Councilman Kevin Phelps. “Between the new Sounder station and Tacoma Link light rail, merchants at Freighthouse Square are enjoying a new rush of business.”

The city itself is enjoying a new rush of attention due to the effects of the many forms of transportation available.

“Sound Transit is helping Tacomans to learn new behaviors,” said Julie Anderson, district manager of the Dome District and a candidate for Tacoma City Council. “We are leaving our cars behind.”

That has led people to explore the city’s “nooks and crannies” on foot, Anderson explained, with people bragging about living in Tacoma. “It’s been a long time since we’ve felt this way,” she said.

Sounder commuter rail began serving the new station on September 15. For the past three years Sounder commuters have used a temporary platform at the nearby Amtrak Station, a short walk northeast of the Tacoma Dome Station Garage. The new Sounder platform is just across the street from a 2,400 stall free parking garage and features a wheelchair access ramp and canopies to protect passengers in inclement weather.

“Tacoma Dome Station is the best example of what Sound Transit is striving to achieve,” Sims noted. “We are building a seamless network of transit options connecting people to their jobs, their schools, shopping and recreation.”