Sound Transit is preparing to mark a major milestone on Saturday, March 28, as the fully connected 2 Line opens with a day of public events, first rides, and systemwide celebrations.
The opening will introduce light rail service across Lake Washington, connecting Seattle and the Eastside for the first time. Service between International District/Chinatown Station and South Bellevue is expected to begin around 10 a.m., following a morning ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Opening Day Schedule
The day’s events will begin at 9 a.m. with remarks from community leaders at Sam Smith Park, located across from the east entrance of Judkins Park Station. A ribbon cutting and street fair will follow at 10 a.m., with live music, food trucks, and activities for families.
Earlier in the morning, both the 1 Line and the 2 Line segment between Downtown Redmond and South Bellevue will operate on their normal schedules.
Following the ceremony, the first train is expected to depart from Judkins Park Station at approximately 10 a.m., marking what Sound Transit describes as the first light rail passenger service to travel across a floating bridge.
Bellevue and Eastside Celebrations
Several stations across the Eastside, including South Bellevue, Mercer Island, and others along the new alignment, will host events from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In Bellevue, stations such as Bellevue Downtown, Spring District, BelRed, and nearby Redmond-area stops will also feature systemwide celebrations during the same timeframe.
Events will include live entertainment, community booths, and activities designed to introduce riders to the expanded service.
Getting There
To accommodate opening day crowds, shuttle service will run every 15 minutes between Mount Baker Station and South Bellevue Station from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., providing access to the main event at Sam Smith Park. Parking will be available at South Bellevue and other stations along the 1 and 2 Lines.
Additional transportation options include biking, with valet service provided by the Cascade Bicycle Club, and shared scooters and bikes. Lime is offering free rides on March 28 with the code CROSSLAKE26. Bus service will also connect riders to stations.
Riding the 2 Line
After the initial departure from Judkins Park, riders will be able to board trains at all stations along the 2 Line in both directions. Sound Transit staff and security personnel will be available to assist passengers throughout the day.
Fares can be paid using an ORCA card, the Transit GO Ticket mobile app, or contactless payment methods, including credit cards and digital wallets.
Additional Activities and Ongoing Events
Opening day attendees will have access to commemorative maps and limited-edition ORCA cards. A station-based activity will allow riders to collect stamps at select locations, including International District/Chinatown, Judkins Park, Mercer Island, and South Bellevue, with opportunities to win prizes.
A pop-up retail shop at Sam Smith Park will also offer themed merchandise tied to the Crosslake Connection.
For those unable to attend on opening day, Sound Transit plans to continue programming at stations along the route for the following two months. Installations and exhibits highlighting communities along the new alignment will remain in place during that time.
