Riding light rail is a snap, just ask Mayor Angela Birney!

2 Line Train Problems Continue

The following 2 Line Train problems were reported by Sound Transit today, June 11:

Marymoor Village Station - Elevator 1 unavailable until further notice. Elevator at Exit A.  

2 Line trains are sharing one track at the BelRed Station until further notice due to maintenance activity.

2 Line trains are sharing one track from Redmond Technology Station to Downtown Redmond Station until further notice.

2 Line trains Downtown Redmond Station - Elevator 1 unavailable until further notice. 

Exit B

2 Line Downtown Redmond Station - Elevator 2 unavailable until further notice. Exit A.  

Contact Sound Transit to be put on service alert texts. 888-889-6365

Sound Transit To Run Service For World Cup

 

Luman Field, Seattle 

Sound Transit to run additional service for Club World Cup, in part, to stress-test light rail for FIFA 2026.

Link more frequent.  Six matches at Lumen Field in Seattle June 15 --25.  Sounder game trains available for five of six games.  150,000 people fans are expected.

Sound Transit is preparing to welcome FIFA Club World Cup 2025 soccer attendees by running additional service on Link light rail as well as special Sounder game trains.

Passengers taking transit during the 10-day, six-game span can find all the information they need in one place by visiting https://www.soundtransit.org/worldcup.

Additional security personnel and Sound Transit staff will be available at stations to help passengers during FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Even with extra service, trains will be crowded during peak times. In order for passengers to have the best riding experience, Sound Transit has tips to help riders during FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and throughout the busy summer season. These include:

• Sign up for service alerts
• Spread out on platforms. The first and last cars are frequently less crowded.
• Get to your destination early and leave later.
• Consider alternative routes or other ways of getting around.

Following are details about service during FIFA Club World Cup 2025:

Link light rail service

There will be increased service on the 1 Line, post-game on Sunday, June 15 and all-day on June 23, with 8-minute headways, to both serve game attendees and our regular riders. As is typical for previous large events at the stadiums, additional trains will be on standby to manage demand and fill any service gaps throughout the tournament.

2 Line Shuttle Buses Are Replacing Some 2 Lines Due To Power Issues

2 Line Shuttle buses are replacing the 2 Line from BelRed Station to Downtown Redmond Station until further notice due to power issues.  Last updated: Jun 08, 2025 3:17 PM

Downtown Station Light Rail Art

Downtown Station Light Rail Bicycle Mural Art

Julie Paschkis, J.PA, SCH

Glass mosaic / 2024

"Redmond is a good place for bicyclists.  It is sometimes called the Bicycle Capital of the Northwest.  On Derby Days there are bicycle races at the Velodrome."  

Julie Paschkis, J.PA, SCH

Glass mosaic / 2024

"During the days riders pedal along trails, meander through lanes, and commute on the streets of Redmond.  At night the bicycle constellation shines down on them." 

-- Sound Transit art mural installation, 166th Avenue NE / photos Yoder, 5/31/25

Light Rail Downtown Station Tributes

"Arnold / Redmond Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee"

Look around the Downtown Light Rail Station and you'll see plexi-glass panal tributes like this one of Arnold Tomac.  

There's a whole lot more to Arnie than his leading the "PED/BIKE Advisory Committee."  He was an early President of Redmond City Council, a Co-Founder of Redmond Town Center, to name a few.   

A kind and giving man ... 

-- Yoder, 5/16/25 

New Light Rail Extension Opening in Redmond

Pre-launch interviews before the opening ceremony.  

It's anticipated the East Link and 2 Line will connect with 1 Line in Seattle early 2026 providing testing goes well.   

Downtown / Marymoor Village Light Rail Station Celebration

     Seattle Times article on the Opening 5/10 

Join the community, leaders, and contributors from across the region on May 10 to celebrate two new stations on the 2 Line. ... Downtown Station / Marymoor Village Station.  

At 10:30 a.m., a speaking program will kick off the day at Downtown Redmond Station (16620 NE 76th St. Redmond, WA 98052), followed by a ribbon cutting.

Light rail is coming to Downtown Redmond! Move Redmond is excited to host Trail 2 Transit presented by Sound Transit and in partnership with Eastrail Partners & Africans on the Eastside. Join us May 10th from 12:00pm-4pm along with Sound Transit, Eastrail Partners,  Africans on the Eastside, and others to celebrate the Downtown Redmond light rail opening, a new critical connection into Downtown Redmond! During the day’s festivities, walk, bike or roll between Redmond light rail station and Redmond Central Connector to celebrate the opening of light rail with vendors, live entertainment, delicious food, and family friendly activities.

Sound Transit, 5/9/2025 At Downtown Redmond Station, join Move Redmond for a stroll or roll along Redmond's Central Connector Trail from the train station to the park. All along the trail you’ll find local vendors, live music, tasty food, and family-friendly fun. 

How to get there

The following bus routes serve Downtown Redmond Station: King County Metro Route 250, RapidRide B Line, and ST Express 545 (drops off one block away).

Microsoft will also provide shuttles and ADA minivans running every 15 minutes between Redmond Technology Station, Marymoor Parking Garage, and Downtown Redmond Station from 9 a.m. until service begins.

Downtown Redmond Station does not have a parking facility, and Redmond Town Center does not allow event parking. We encourage you to take public transit to the event, if you can. show hosted by Africans on the Eastside. Music, dancing and a fashion show hosted by Africans on the Eastside.

Let's Move Redmond: An Open Streets Festival

This video interviews attendees of the first Let's Move Redmond event. MOVE REDMOND opened up 161st Street in Downtown Redmond, WA so people could bike, scoot, walk, and play in the streets.

IF YOU DON'T LIVE IN A DOWNTOWN APARTMENT, A GOOD PLACE TO PARK IS IN THE REDMOND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LOT OR RIDE A BIKE, TAKE A SCOOTER, OR WALK FROM YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.  I WOULD NOT ADVISE DRIVING.

Fare Ambassadors Check For Fares

Fare Ambassadors wear blue-clad jackets and yellow hats

Fare Ambassadors will only check for fares on platforms on the 1 Line during the summer of 2024.  (But, payment of fares is still expected on 2 Line.)  

Sound Transit expects to expand fare paid zone inspections to 2 Line stations as more riders begin using the system. One-way adult fares range from $2.25 - $3.50.  (see Fare charges.)  ‎

Fare Ambassadors systematically review paid passenger fares. In pairs, they start at opposite ends of light rail vehicles and announce their presence before checking for paid fares. Have your proof of paid fare ready, and feel free to ask any questions. They will also inspect while waiting next to the tracks.  

Source:  Sound Transit ; Seattle Times (5/28)

ATTENTION: Multiple 2-Line Service Disruptions

Thirteen, 2-Line Sound Transit service disruptions reported 5/23 - 5/25  Sign up for 2-Line service updates ### "Update: Link Shuttle buses are replacing the 2-Line from South Bellevue Station to Overlake Village Station until further notice. Updates to follow when available. For 2-Line to Redmond Technology get on/off buses at: South Bellevue Station – Bay 3 East Main Station – SE 300 Block (Far Side) Bellevue Downtown Station – NE 6th St North Side) Wilburton Station – Rapid Ride Stop 116 Ave SE (Far Side) Spring District/120th Station- NE Spring Blvd (Far Side) Bel-red/130th Station – NE Spring Blvd (North Side) Overlake Village Station – NE Shen St (Far Side)

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:   

Light Rail Service, Bellevue To Redmond Begins April 27

In August 2023, the Sound Transit Board voted for a phased approach to opening the East Link Extension, beginning with service between South Bellevue and Redmond Technology stations on April 27, 2024.  Ribbon cutting date unknown at this time.  

The 2 Line, which is not affected by quality issues related to construction, will open ahead of the I-90 segment.

The remainder of East Link, that crosses I-90 and includes Judkins Park and Mercer Island Stations is expected to open in 2025.

Opening Day of the Overlake Village Pedestrian Bridge

 City of Redmond and Sound Transit Celebrate Opening of Overlake Village Pedestrian Bridge

From left to right: City Council Vice President Jessica Forsythe, Sound Transit Interim CEO Goran Sparrman, City Council President Vanessa Kritzer, King County Councilmember and Sound Transit Boardmember Claudia Balducci, Mayor Angela Birney, Councilmember Melissa Stuart, and Councilmember Angie Nuevacamina.

REDMOND, WA - The City of Redmond celebrated the opening of the Overlake Village Pedestrian Bridge with a ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday. This vital link connects the light rail station at Overlake Village to the 520 Bike Trail across SR 520. The $10.4 million project enhances accessibility and fosters connectivity between key transit points in Redmond.

"The Overlake Pedestrian Bridge exemplifies the successful partnership between the City of Redmond and Sound Transit,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “This project creates an important connection for our community to access transit and demonstrate our commitment to sustainable and accessible transportation.”

UPDATED 10/22: Downtown Redmond Light Rail Update

click to enlarge image

The first segment that will open is called the East Link Starter Line. It will only go from Redmond Technology Station to the South Bellevue Station. That is supposed to open in the spring of 2024. The section that will serve Marymoor Village Station and Downtown Redmond Station is supposed to open sometime in 2025. The East Link will cross Lake Washington, maybe sometime in 2025 or later.

 

Four-car trains will run every 8 minutes carrying up to 800 riders, 16 wheelchairs, 12 bicycles and multiple suitcases.  18-minutes from DT Redmond to Bellevue; 42 minutes from Bellevue to Seattle; 45 minutes to stadiums; 72 minutes to Sea-Tac Airport.  

Factoid:  Per Move Redmond, "9 out of 10 people who work in Redmond live outside the City due to the high cost of housing."

Thank you "Move Redmond" for providing these maps, information and your advocacy for transportation connectivity.  10/21/2023

Candidate Bus Ride Along Interviews

Move Redmond did a Candidate Interview Bus Ride Along with Redmond Mayoral and City Council positions who are up on the ballot. We met with candidates at the Redmond Technology station where we then got on the Rapid B line and rode to the Bellevue Transit Center.

-- Kelli Refer, Executive Director, Move Redmond

UPDATED: Mayor Angela Birney's Story / Pedestrian Safety / RCTV

I found Mayor Birney's Story on Pedestrian Safety while watching Redmond City Television (RCTV) on Comcast Channel 21.  

I'm amazed how RCTV programming has improved.  There's much more content.  Tune in at 9:00AM for a half hour of local news, grant opportunities, and tips.  

All of  Mayor Birney's 52 YouTube stories can be watched in a rolling sequence. 

posted by Bob Yoder, 10/11/2023

Light Rail Service Between Redmond and Bellevue Begins in the Spring

Service between South Bellevue and Redmond Technology Station begins Spring of 2024.  Service to the Marymoor and Downtown stations are planned for 2025.

The 2 Line segment opening next spring will mean easy, traffic-free connections
to where you live, work and play!

By Brooke Belman, Deputy CEO Sound Transit

Publish Date

August 24, 2023

Today the Sound Transit Board of Directors voted for a phased approach to opening the East Link Extension, beginning with service between South Bellevue and Redmond Technology stations in spring 2024.  

As we’ve shared over the past year, delays caused by construction quality issues along the I-90 portion of the East Link Extension, which includes two more stations in Judkins Park and on Mercer Island, prompted Sound Transit’s staff and Board to reimagine our plans for beginning passenger service. We now expect to open this remaining section of the 2 Line, creating rail connections across Lake Washington, in 2025. 

After greenlighting the phased approach today, the Sound Transit Board will finalize initial 2 Line service levels later this fall, when they consider the 2024 Service Plan. The plan will also set service levels for the Lynnwood Link opening, slated for next fall.  

With the Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension opening next month and new Eastside and Snohomish County service launching next year, your light rail destinations are expanding in a big way in the near future. Here’s what we expect Sound Transit’s regional service will look like by the end of next year.

-- Sound Transit

Light Rail Graffiti

 

The light rail graffiti is adjacent Red Robin.  It's disturbing.  I've notified Mayor Birney and the code enforcement officer.  

-- Bob Yoder, 8/7/2023

"Washington Bike Law" Represents Injured Bicyclists

 Ten Bicyclists Injured on the Burke-Gilman Trail's “Missing Link"

About Washington Bike Law:

 Washington Bike Law (WBL) represents injured bicyclists statewide and helps make our streets safer for everyone. WBL was the first law office in the nation to be honored by the League of American Bicyclists as a Bike Friendly Business. Find more at www.washingtonbikelaw.com.

Bike accidents are probable in Redmond:  1) no protected bike lanes, 2) the intersection of Redmond Way and East Lake Sammamish Blvd. is hazardous and potentially deadly.  The City of Redmond could be liable.  (B. Yoder.) 

 

SEATTLE – Ten people injured in bicycle crashes on the "Missing Link" of the Burke-Gilman Trail recently filed claims against the City of Seattle for its failure to make the existing roadway reasonably safe for ordinary travel, according to attorneys representing the individuals. The ten riders suffered varying degrees of injury ranging from contusions to broken bones to traumatic brain injury.

 

Washington Bike Law (WBL) and Schroeter Goldmark & Bender (SGB) are Seattle law firms cooperatively representing the bicyclists. “The aim of the claim notices filed today is not simply to achieve compensation for our clients’ injuries, but to prompt action by the City to prevent more people from being seriously injured by this known danger,” said SGB attorney Adam Berger.

 

The Missing Link is a 1.4-mile stretch in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood where the Burke-Gilman Trail abruptly ends, sending bicyclists onto streets that are still not reasonably safe for travel by bicycle. The ten bicyclists were all injured where many others have crashed before them: the Missing Link’s “Crash Zone,” a dangerous railroad crossing under the Ballard Bridge.

 

WBL’s Bob Anderton has represented multiple bicyclists injured in this same Crash Zone dating as far back as 2001. 

Opinion: Redmond Is Losing It's Charm; Will woonerfs Bring It Back?

Six-story Redmond Square on 166th Ave. neighborhood arterial 

"I live across from new apartments being built…more high rises , more traffic , etc etc . Too much and the charm disappears ! Redmond Downtown Park a nice meeting place and events like Redmond Lights great! But noise is increasing and traffic is worse … and charm may disappear!!"

Linda T.   11/28'2022

Source: "Friends Who Like Redmond Neighborhood Blog"

"Our small, semi-rural town. Whatever happened to the Woonerfs with which Planning Staff confronted us poor Planning Commission Schmucks for months?"  I'm tired of thinking of my time spent there.

F. W. 11/28/2022  FWLRNB

Mr. Pantly, a "green developer" of value is very pleased that his woonerf aka "living street" is the first in the city.  It's adjacent to his "micro" apartment building covered with art.  Last time I heard, Council is very excited about the prospects of a woonerf for the huge "Value Village" apartment project.  And a woonerf is planned for Redmond Square!  Trending!!  However, please know woonerfs slow traffic considerably.

-- Response by Bob Yoder, 11/28/2022

What's a wooderf?  Also known as "Living Streets."  They began in the Netherlands.  Pedestrians can use the full width of the public road; bicycling and playing is also allowed.  Drivers may not endanger pedestrians or hinder them; if necessary they must stop. Furthermore, they need to be twice as careful regarding children. Pedestrians may not obstruct traffic unnecessarily.  Speed is limited to 20 km per hour.  Parking is forbidden, except where there are visual markings.  B.Y.

This has to be one of the worst ideas that I’ve ever heard of, especially with the deplorable driving habits that have become the norm here. And have we forgotten the tragic death of the toddler a few years ago in Redmond Town Center (by a slow speed vehicle)?  -- Blog reader.