After nearly eight years since construction began, the highly anticipated Sound Transit 2 Line connecting Redmond and Bellevue is finally ready to launch. This 6.5-mile light rail line aims to connect several Eastside communities and will eventually link up with Seattle.
The line, comprising eight stops from South Bellevue to the Redmond Technology Station, will commence operations on Saturday, opening up new transportation options for residents and commuters. Earlier this week, a new bridge spanning the highway and connecting the Redmond Technology Station to local streets was opened for bikes and pedestrians.
According to Sound Transit, riders can expect a quick and efficient journey, with travel times as short as 13 minutes from South Bellevue to BelRed or from the Redmond Technology Station to downtown Bellevue. The frequency of trains will be every 10 minutes, operating from 5:30 am to 9:30 pm daily.
Redmond Mayor Angela Birney expressed her excitement about the opening, stating, “Ever since the Eastside community voted for Sound Transit, I’ve dreamed of a day when I can hop on a train in Redmond and quickly get to Bellevue. Now, that day is here.” She added that this milestone has been years in the making and is a historic moment for the Eastside and beyond.
To use the light rail system, passengers are encouraged to obtain an ORCA card, which simplifies payments and allows transfers between buses and trains. Fares range from $2.25 to $2.50, depending on the distance traveled, with free youth travel and reduced fares available. Riders can subscribe to receive alerts and updates.
To celebrate the opening, festivities will be held at each of the eight stations, with opportunities for prizes for those who visit all of them. In a special appearance, Mario and Luigi, beloved characters from Nintendo, which has a corporate office in Redmond, will be present at the Redmond Tech Station.
Local businesses along and near the light rail line are hopeful for an increase in trade, with Sound Transit anticipating around 6,000 daily riders initially. Dote Coffee Bar, located under the bridge at the Redmond Technology Station, has already experienced a 30% increase in business since Monday, according to Mayor Birney.
In preparation for the opening, the Bellevue Police Department announced the rollout of a new police unit dedicated to ensuring a safe and positive riding experience for passengers using the new line within Bellevue.
Looking ahead, the next phase of the light rail expansion will include service over I-90 to Mercer Island and Bellevue, expected to open in 2025. The full $3.7 billion, 14-mile East Link route, approved by a ballot measure in 2008, will eventually serve Seattle’s Judkins Park, Mercer Island, Redmond, and multiple stations in Bellevue, further enhancing regional connectivity.