Notes and Observations Of Light Rail Line 2

Redmond Technology Station Train / credit "Experience Redmond"

The April 27 ribbon-cutting for opening Light Rail "Line 2" was an historic day in Redmond.  The ceremony took place at Redmond Technology Station. Misty, 50-degree temps didn't stop the rush of thousands eager to experience their first ride on the Eastside.  My wife Pam and I had a terrific time!

The 6-mile, 17-minute trip from Redmond to south Bellevue had eight fun-filled station stops.  By far, the Overlake Village Station had the most exhibits, entertainment and food choices.  Unfortunately, we didn't have time to fully immerse, but I do have a few notes and observations to share:   

> We arrived to the garage early, taking a long stairway down to the lower level and a waiting food truck.  We passed a sign posting the 11:17 ribbon cutting.  Stairs up to the platform were long and arduous even for pickleball players like us! We are in the our 70's and puffed. The stairs didn't seem built with seniors and families in mind. The garage has an elevator though.  (The median age in Redmond is 34 years and Line 2 mostly serves young Microsoft employees.)  

> Before the ceremony we chatted with David Carson, a recently retired 16-year Redmond councilmember.  He's a Board Member for the Redmond Police Foundation and trying to develop two start-ups.  At the ceremony, David was publicly recognized by the RedmondOneChamber for his work on the Foundation.  

Kristina Hudson, the CEO of OneRedmond also stopped by.  Among other things (more important than I know) she organized  Microsoft -  Centro Cultural Mexico and vendor events.    

> Before the ribbon was cut, we scurried and caught the last car of the first train!  Coping with a delay we had opportunities to chat. Many cultures and languages were seen and heard. People jockeyed for any place they could find. Seniors found their seats and wheelchairs their space. Few toddlers.  After a 40 minute wait the train was off with a short studder-step and cheers.  The train was remarkably clean and surprisingly smooth running.   

> Most of the greenery was near the South Bellevue, Wilburton and Spring District stations.  I was surprised to see so many trees along the way.   

 Security officer, Jason

> Safety of course, is of utmost importance.  According to Jason (in the picture) four INTER-COM Security officers are contracted by Sound Transit to work each station.  Jason mentioned, eventually police will patrol each train; paid by Bellevue, not Redmond.  "Ambassadors" dressed in yellow jackets document non-paying riders.  After four warning / violation interactions non-payors are fined.   

> We were bothered that residential, commercial, apartments and small businesses didn't appear clustered (yet) around the South Bellevue, East Main, Wilburton, Spring, Bell-Red stations. Are the stations ahead of their time?  Will it take decades and even more tax dollars for densification to catch up.      

-- Story / Opinion / Photo by Bob Yoder 4/30/2024, Updated, 5/4/2024

Sources:  Redmond.gov demographics

                Seattle Times 4/29 Line 2 story    

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"Claudia Balducci has been on the frontlines and in the trenches fighting for East Link expansion of the light rail network for more than 15 years. She has worked to bring rail to East King County in a variety of key elected and appointed positions, first as a Bellevue City Councilmember, then as Mayor of Bellevue, and now at the King County Council. All the while she has served as the second longest running member on the Sound Transit Board of Directors, a position she was appointed to in 2010. 

By any measure, Claudia has been the most vocal proponent of East Link Light Rail, now called the 2 Line. In the face of a multiyear construction delay due to workmanship on the I-90 segment of East Link, she proposed opening an Eastside-only, eight-stop starter line (Redmond Technology Station to South Bellevue) in August 2022. This proposal was unanimously approved by the Sound Transit Board in August 2023 and will open this Saturday (April 27)."

-- King County news