UPDATE: Sound Transit has intensified its battle against pigeon droppings at Capitol Hill Station, just ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With international soccer fans expected in Seattle, the agency is taking urgent measures to restore cleanliness at key transit locations.
Authorities confirmed that Sound Transit will invest $889,954 over three years in “downtown transit tunnel bird mitigation services” across four stations. This cleanup effort is not just about the upcoming World Cup—it aims to provide a better commuting experience for all riders.
The issue has long plagued Capitol Hill Station, where riders frequently dodge unsightly droppings on tiles, walls, and escalators. Transit board member Kristina Walker, who chairs the ridership committee, emphasized the need for clean stations: “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.”
In response to the persistent problem, Sound Transit plans to hire additional contractors, implement deep-cleaning measures, and install various deterrents like spikes and nets. The agency is even exploring the use of birth control pills for pigeons, a method that has seen mixed results in other regions.
Pigeons have adapted to urban environments, making it increasingly difficult for crews to manage their populations. “The pigeons— I don’t want to say evolved, but they adapted,” said David Nixon, a lead maintenance custodian at the station. Despite efforts to block their roosting spots, the birds continue to find new perches.
Local businesses are feeling the impact as well. Jamie Lutton, owner of Twice Sold Tales bookstore, expressed frustration: “They’re here because people drop food.” The adjacent Dick’s Drive-In and nearby grocery stores provide ample food sources, attracting pigeons to the area.
Cleaning crews work tirelessly, wet-mopping floors daily, yet riders still encounter droppings. The ongoing presence of bird waste poses not only aesthetic issues but potential health hazards, as bird droppings can harbor diseases. Washington State University warns that dried droppings can be dangerous when disturbed.
Sound Transit’s comprehensive strategy also includes installing bird deterrents at other stations, including Northgate Station, and conducting power washes at International District/Chinatown Station just before the World Cup matches in June.
The fight against bird infestations has become a multimillion-dollar industry. Sound Transit’s contract for bird mitigation services is part of a broader initiative to maintain transit safety and cleanliness. In recent years, the agency has explored various methods, including using ultrasound and food-based birth control to manage pigeon populations.
As the cleanup efforts ramp up, the public’s response has been mixed. While some commuters like Britnee Anderson express affection for pigeons, stating they bring “happiness,” others are less tolerant, highlighting the unsightly mess left behind.
With the clock ticking before the World Cup, Sound Transit is under pressure to ensure that all stations are presentable and safe for the influx of visitors. The agency is set to implement its new measures in the coming weeks, as the urgency to combat this ongoing issue intensifies.
Stay tuned for further updates on Sound Transit’s efforts to create a cleaner commuting environment as major events approach in Seattle.
