Sound Transit recently announced that the first segment of the Link 2 Line will officially open to passenger service on April 27th. The segment is 6.5 miles and features eight new stations in Bellevue and Redmond.
“The opening of the 2 Line on the Eastside took the vision, creativity and tireless work of many people to make good on the promise we made to voters in 2008,” said Sound Transit Boardmember and King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci. “I pushed to open this 6.5- mile, 8-station starter line to connect some of the region’s largest employers, growing neighborhoods, and incredible destinations. Today we’re setting the stage for the Eastside’s continued transformation and connecting people to opportunity now. I can’t wait to ride it!”
Two-car trains will run every 10 minutes, 16 hours of the day. The remaining sections of the 2 Line, which includes Judkins Park and Mercer Island, are expected to open in 2025.
Regular practice runs between the South Bellevue and Redmond Technology stations have been occurring since early January 2024. These runs are happening every 10 to 15 minutes. Since November, Sound Transit operators and maintenance staff have been working on the 2 Line, undertaking simulated services to ensure a seamless and safe experience for passengers.
The 2Line is set to transform commuting between Bellevue and Redmond, ultimately extending its reach to Mercer Island and Seattle in the future. Starting April 27th, the 2 Line will serve South Bellevue, East Main, Bellevue Downtown, Wilburton, Spring District, BelRed, Overlake Village, and Redmond Technology stations.
Service will run from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. seven days a week.
Opening day of the 2 Line will include a ribbon cutting ceremony at Bellevue Downtown Station at 10 a.m., as well as different activities, exhibits, and entertainment at all eight stations. Anyone who participates in a Discover.Stamp.Win activity and visits all eight stations will be eligible to enter a prize drawing.
I am curious, but what are the operational costs to test out the trains from South Bellevue to The Technology Center?
ST2 Two-car trains will run every 10 minutes, 16 hours of the day. Current ST550 Service Bellevue to/from Seattle varies from every 10 minutes at peak times during the week to every half hour off-peak.
Will there be new bus service (ST551?) from S Bellevue Park and Ride to/from Seattle every 10 minutes to match ST2 service frequency? Will all of those buses stop on Mercer Island?