Bellevue is gearing up for the grand unveiling of its new light rail service this weekend, and with it comes the introduction of a specialized police unit. The Bellevue Police Department is set to step up security as the Eastside prepares to launch Sound Transit's 2 Line, with a dedicated team called the Bellevue Light Rail Unit (BLU). According to a KOMO News report, the unit will patrol the eight-stop route to ensure "a safe and positive riding experience".
Saturday marks the operational debut of the new line that connects Bellevue to Redmond with trains running every 10 minutes from the early morning until late in the evening. "We've been waiting on this day for quite some time, much like everybody else," Bellevue Police Department Captain Landon Barnwell told KGW News. The BLU team, which will include four officers and a sergeant, will be overseeing security across Bellevue's six Link stops.
Bellevue residents have expressed mixed feelings in the lead-up to the 2 Line's opening. "We're excited to have the Light Rail but there are obviously concerns with it as well," said local Renate Aquaro in an interview with KGW News. She cited apprehension about potential issues similar to those encountered at other light rail stations, including drug use and safety concerns.
However, the Bellevue police are proactive about allaying those fears. "Our goal with this Bellevue Light Rail Unit is again to combat that," Barnwell stated, emphasizing the department's intention to halt any problems before they have a chance to arise. As established by MyNorthwest, the new service's 6.6-mile starter line will also require public vigilance at grade crossings. "We are asking drivers and pedestrians to do their part," mentioned Sound Transit's representative Anderson.
With the BLU patrolling the platforms, their high visibility aims to ensure that transit users remain safety-conscious. As the new service begins to bridge Bellevue and Redmond, and with an eye towards future expansion across Lake Washington into Seattle, local law enforcement and Sound Transit are collaborating on a comprehensive approach to handle any hiccups as they come. Come Saturday, the eastside community will step aboard not just a new mode of transportation but also a new chapter in public transit management.
