Light Rail "Connect" Celebration: Two New Stations, Two Lines, One System

Thank heavens for Sound Transit's volunteer ambassadors who tried to manage the intense flow of riders into the South Bellevue train station. Everyone wanted to be the first to cross the lake. We were all literally crammed in like a can of sardines. (Dogs Out of panic, some departed at the next station.  We all rode free this day, but starting Monday agency ambassadors on Line 2 will be looking for boarding tickets.

Pam joined in on the fun :) 

We made it to the Judkins Park "Connect" celebration starting from the Redmond Marymoor station.  (Parking at the Redmond Downtown station is problematic.) Thousands attended.  I especially liked the Cascade Bicycling Club booth.  Most everything was small, tented merchandizing booths. 

The community art center was fabulous. Local artists painted on three panels. 

A video of people lined up for miles trying to get home from the celebration. Pam and I took a bus instead.😂 We got off at the Mercer Island light rail station then home to the Marymoor station, where our car was parked.  Who knows what hour or day these people would make it home.  Some express!

-- Bob Yoder, (click images to enlarge)

   3/26/2026

UPDATED 3/27: Light Rail "Crosslink Connection" Opens, Celebration Judkins Park Station

Parking in and around the Downtown Station is problematic.  A 1,300 parking garage awaits you at the Marymoor Station.  It's only a few minutes away.  Drive and park there!

JUDKINS PARK STATION, credit Peter Bohler, Sound Transit

The Link Light Rail 2 Line "Crosslake Connection" opens March 28, 2026, connecting Redmond directly to Seattle via a major opening celebration. Festivities include a 9 a.m. ribbon-cutting at Judkins Park, followed by the first trains across Lake Washington at 10 a.m.. Celebrations, featuring food trucks and music, will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at stations including Mercer Island and Bellevue. 

Key Details for the Opening Celebration:

• When: Saturday, March 28, 2026, starting with a 9 a.m. ceremony.
• Where: Celebrations will take place along the 2 Line, with major events at Sam Smith Park (near Judkins Park Station).
• Highlights: First passenger service over Lake Washington on the new light rail bridge, followed by community events, live performances, and local food vendors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m..

UPDATED: 2-Line Service Suspended For Power Issues And Copper Wire Theft

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For most of Saturday, June 20, the 2 line light rail was suspended due to copper wire theft in Bellevue.  It isn't immediately clear how Sound Transit will protect plans to protect the Eastside corridor from falling victim to similar incidents. The problem has since been resolved.  -- Seattle Times, 6/22/25

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2 Line service was suspended July 21 between South Bellevue and Spring District stations until further notice due to a power issue.

Trains are still running between Downtown Redmond and Spring District stations.

Sound Transit has ordered 2 Line Shuttle buses to replace 2 Line service between South Bellevue and Spring District stations. Updates will be provided once 2 Line Shuttle buses are available.

Passengers are encouraged to seek alternative service options and plan ahead for additional travel time.

Last updated: Jun 21, 2025 4:41 AM

Privately Owned Scooter Transportation

This comment was made by Patrick T. under a Redmond 2050 Facebook post:

"I ride a scooter as my primary method of transportation 99% of the year (unless it's actually frozen or snowy, like two weeks out of the year). Beyond all the advantages in cost to own and operate, I can just shoulder surf or lane-filter past stopped traffic AND I still get to be fully motorized so the time it takes me to get somewhere doesn't go up for 50 minutes (unlike with a bus). Also I can get up to 40mph so I can do longer distance travel on roads. It truly is a life hack, the best of both worlds. If it's rainy I have a rainproof jacket and pants, and if it's cold I have an extra layer. Screw traffic! "  

Patrick T.  

Redmond 2050 Facebook Page

Scooters have a small footprint so parking space is readily available, as well. 

 

"Pro Scooter Shop" on NE 95the Street by the Connector Trail and the Eastside Gym.  425-968-5058  A convenient location for a trial run.  

Other scooter stores.  Helmets are for sale at most stores.  

Posted by Yoder

10/12/2024