Ding ding ding — look both ways and stand clear of the yellow line. After 15 years of planning, Sound Transit announced that the Eastside’s Light Rail service — also known as the 2 line — will begin chugging on April 27.
The new Light Rail is a starter line with eight stations along a 6.6-mile route from South Bellevue to Redmond Technology. Sound Transit plans to extend the 2 line east to Marymoor Village + downtown Redmond in 2025, before going west to Seattle.
Climb aboard as we track all the details.
By the numbers
If you want a preview, there’s a handy dandy map showing just where the line goes. After the line launches:
- Trains will run every 10 minutes, 5:30-9:30 p.m., seven days a week.
- The full journey from Redmond Technology to South Bellevue should take 17 minutes.
- Sound Transit expects ~6,000 daily riders.
- The two-car trains can hold up to 400 passengers at a time.
Car commuters will be able to find free parking at Redmond Technology, BelRed, and South Bellevue stations. Bike parking will also be available at every station.
Next stop
Sound Transit has been prepping + polishing stations along the 2 line’s route. Recently, renovations on the Overlake bridge at the Redmond Technology station — near Microsoft’s campus — were completed, making pedestrian access easier. There’s also a second bridge in the works at the station that should be finished by April.
Keep a close eye out over the next year as plans ramp up to connect the line over Lake Washington. The 2 Line trains will share tracks with the good ol’ Light Rail in Seattle and travel north to Lynnwood via Mercer Island without passengers needing to transfer. Is your Orca card refreshed and ready?