Sizable gatherings flock to the inaugural unveiling of Redmond's light rail system.

Under a pleasant mix of sun and clouds, the bustling crowds converged in Redmond on a Saturday morning, eager to witness the grand unveiling of Sound Transit's latest light rail stations. This $1.2 billion expansion pushed the regional system further into the city, marking a significant step for this once rural enclave on Lake Sammamish's northern tip.

After a lively ribbon-cutting attended by political, business, labor, and Tulalip Tribes representatives, as well as Redmond's very own Poet Laureate, Ching-In Chen, the inaugural train departed from Downtown Redmond Station around noon. The new service will service Microsoft's campus, downtown Bellevue, and shortly, Seattle.

The two-station addition also offers riders the chance to explore Redmond's extensive trail network, vast shopping centers, local eateries, and the bustling 640-acre Marymoor Park – King County's busiest. Concerts at Marymoor, known for causing parking and traffic headaches, are now a simple stroll away from Marymoor Village Station, the other new station.

These celebrations run until 4 p.m., and all are welcome. While riding the new line, passengers may encounter nominal fares during this time, as the festivities extend until the evening's end at 9:30 p.m.

Before the formal Festivities, the street beneath the Downtown station was barricaded by portable steel barriers and guarded by police. The area was unusually empty but adorned with seating for VIPs. Flyers, promotional items, and food trucks lined Redmond's walk-bike trail beneath the station. A brass band provided melodic entertainment.

Aussie spectators began arriving around 9:30 a.m., many queuing at the ORCA booth to obtain fare cards. Others lazed at the Redmond Town Center's cafes and snack joints, waiting for the first train to roll through. As the onlookers grew in number, the atmosphere mirrored the excitement before a Mariners game.

Lizzie Stewart, a resident of Kirkland attending with her husband and 18-month-old daughter, shared her anticipation for the Eastside's 2 Line. She expressed that it would prove particularly useful for occasional trips to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and for date nights in Seattle. "It's a long time coming," Stewart noted. "It'll make a pretty big difference."

Hendrik de Kock, a non-driver from Seattle raised in the transit-friendly New York City, arrived with friends eager to test the new stations. "I appreciate public gatherings like this," de Kock stated. "It's essential to attend, and show we are a society working toward the common good, rather than focusing solely on individualism."

Kelli Refer, Director of the transportation advocacy group Move Redmond, seeks to "activate" the new train stations in Redmond. She (Refer) was struck by how Redmond's sprawling walk-bike trails converge at the downtown station – having arrived by riding the Sammamish River and Redmond Central Connector trails herself.

The new stations are the first to be built with funding from the $54 billion light rail expansion measure approved by voters in 2016[1]. The stations, as well as the light rail system, were also financed in part with federal dollars, as U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., highlighted in her Redmond remarks[2].

This expansion extends the 2 Line, which debuted last year[5]. At its onset, the 6-mile corridor connected the South Bellevue Station next to Interstate 90 to the Redmond Technology Station nestled amid three Microsoft campuses[5], and one of two stations in Redmond.

Now, Redmond boasts four light rail stations – Downtown Redmond, Marymoor Village, Redmond Technology, and Overlake Village – while Bellevue has six[4].

The Eastside's housing market has experienced a boom in recent years, with 5,000 new apartment units built within a half-mile of the downtown station[4]. Light rail officials and city planners hope the extended line will lure those in cars towards the Redmond Technology Station at Microsoft headquarters in just six minutes or downtown Bellevue in 17 minutes[3].

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When Sound Transit completes the much-anticipated segment across Lake Washington into Seattle, expected this winter, commuters can avoid the congestion of Highway 520, Interstate 90, and Interstate 405 to reach Redmond[3]. This winter, a three-station expansion to Federal Way will bring the light rail network to a total length of 62 miles[5].

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

What Saturday's Eastside Riders Need to Know

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[1] Enrichment Reference - Overall: Sound Transit’s extension of light rail to Redmond features two new stations—Marymoor Village, constructed with extensive parking, and Downtown Redmond, designed to seamlessly integrate with the urban neighborhood. These stations aim to attract new residents and businesses to transit-oriented development, with nearby trail access and modern amenities.

[2] Enrichment Reference - Details of the Light Rail Expansion: Trains run every 10 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily, and service will extend beyond these hours with the completion of the 2 Line extension to Lynnwood. The new stations enhance transit connectivity across the region while showcasing Sound Transit's commitment to providing sustainable multimodal transportation options.

[3] Enrichment Reference - Connectivity: The new light rail extensions connect Redmond residents to key areas such as Bellevue, SeaTac Airport, downtown Seattle, and numerous cultural and recreational destinations along the 2 Line coroner.

[4] Enrichment Reference - Ridership: The extension is expected to increase regional ridership, providing a fast, car-free alternative for commuters and visitors alike. Frequent service schedules and multimodal connections are designed to draw crowds to Redmond while reducing congestion on existing transportation infrastructure.

[5] Enrichment Reference - Impact on Local Attractions, Housing, and Ridership: Redmond's multimodal transportation network encourages a denser, walkable environment, likely promoting new or revitalized housing projects in the vicinity. The extension's proximity to attractions such as Marymoor Park and local eateries is expected to boost regional tourism and economic development, while increased ridership contributes to a more sustainable transportation ecosystem in the Seattle metropolitan area.

The light rail stations expansion in Redmond, a cost of $1.2 billion, will service Microsoft's campus, downtown Bellevue, and eventually Seattle, marking a significant step for this once rural city.
Tulalip Tribes representatives, political officials, business leaders, and Redmond's Poet Laureate were among those attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new stations.
The new service offers riders the chance to explore Redmond's trail network, shopping centers, local eateries, and Marymoor Park, King County's busiest, which is now a simple stroll away from Marymoor Village Station.
The two-station addition will lure those in cars towards the Redmond Technology Station at Microsoft headquarters in just six minutes or downtown Bellevue in 17 minutes.
Redmond's housing market has experienced a boom in recent years, with 5,000 new apartment units built within a half-mile of the downtown station.
Trains operate every ten minutes, reaching speeds of 55 mph, and if crowds take advantage of the new line, it could mark a shift for the 2 Line.
When Sound Transit completes the segment across Lake Washington into Seattle, expected this winter, commuters can avoid the congestion of major highways to reach Redmond, enhancing transit connectivity across the region.