A new electric shuttle launching August 3 will carry Sound Transit 2 Line riders from the Bellevue Downtown Light Rail Station directly into downtown, filling the “first-mile/last-mile” gap for travelers arriving without a car.
The Bellevue Light Rail Shuttle, powered by Amazon, is a pilot program from Visit Bellevue in partnership with Circuit, the City of Bellevue, and Sound Transit. The free service will run as an extension of the existing BellHop shuttle program, funded by Amazon and Visit Bellevue with additional support from Circuit, the city, and Sound Transit through December 2026.
Two Volkswagen ID. BUZZ electric vehicles will operate the route, staging at the light rail station during service hours to pick up arriving passengers and carry them to hotels, restaurants, shops, parks, and other destinations within BellHop’s existing service area.
Riders don’t need a reservation or app to use the shuttle. They can simply board at the designated pickup area outside Bellevue Downtown Station and tell the driver their destination before departing.
Service details:
The shuttle begins operating on August 3, 2026, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pickup is at the designated shuttle area outside Bellevue Downtown Station, with drop-offs available anywhere within the current BellHop service area. The ride is free, and the pilot program runs through December 2026.
“Bellevue has been intentionally building toward a sustainable future where travelers can arrive easily, move intuitively, and experience more without relying on a car,” said Brad Jones, Executive Director of Visit Bellevue. “The Bellevue Light Rail Shuttle closes the last mile between regional transit and the heart of our destination, making it effortless to go from train to hotel, from meeting to meal, from shopping to parks.”
Amazon’s Keri Pravitz, Manager of Community Engagement in Bellevue, said the company sees value in projects that expand access to transit while linking riders to local businesses. “Public-private partnerships like this allow us to explore innovative ideas and respond directly to community needs,” she said.
Circuit’s Mark Iannon said the partnership made it possible to launch a fully electric connector service. “Amazon’s support and Visit Bellevue’s leadership made it possible to launch a fully electric service that gives residents, workers, and visitors an easier way to connect to light rail,” he said. “Together, we’re helping create a transportation network that is more accessible, sustainable, and connected.”
The shuttle launch follows the recent debut of Sound Transit’s 2 Line Crosslake Connection, which brought the world’s first light rail line to cross a floating bridge. Combined with BellHop, airport and cruise transportation options, the Ride Bellevue bike program, and an increasingly walkable downtown core, the new shuttle adds another piece to Bellevue’s car-free transportation network.
