Sound Transit is sending light rail trains on regular practice runs on the 2 Line between the South Bellevue and Redmond Technology stations (BelRed)– all in preparation for the Eastside starter line set to open later this year.
“This is called simulated service,” Sound Transit spokesperson Rachelle Cunningham said. “This is the last testing step before we can open. It’s scheduled to begin this week.”
She told KIRO Newsradio that once it kicks off, people can expect to see Link light rail trains between the Redmond Technology station and South Bellevue.
“Pretty much every 10 to 15 minutes trains will test run,” Cunningham added. “I think it opens up a whole new group of folks who will probably start or become acquainted with Link for the first time. This will mean that people on the east side will be able to get around much more conveniently.”
What does this mean for BelRed residents?
The 2 Line will go between South Bellevue and the Microsoft campus in Redmond. Riders will be able to connect to the regional transit network buses from the South Bellevue station that will eventually take people into downtown Seattle. According to Cunningham, the 2 Line will eventually run all the way from the International District/Chinatown Station in Seattle all the way out to downtown Redmond.