The long-anticipated Lynnwood Link light rail extension is finally opening, bringing with it a new era in public transportation for the residents of Snohomish County. According to KOMO News, the extension features four new stations and is projected to ferry about 50,000 riders daily from Lynnwood to downtown Seattle within a mere 32 minutes. A rider, Curt Warner described the new addition as "shiny and new, and it's an exciting option for people to have and better alternatives for people getting where they need to be."
Starting on the opening day, commuters can expect trains to run every 8 minutes during peak hours, expanding the light rail system's footprint significantly. Prior to this extension, the system comprised of 39 stations, and 35 miles of track, the Lynnwood Link adds to this bringing the totals to, 53 stations, and 62 miles, as reported by the Lynnwood Times. Despite the expedited service promising fast commutes from Lynnwood's City Center Station to Westlake Station in the heart of Seattle, celebrations are not just confined to the rails.
On opening day, a slate of festivities will also be on offer, as detailed by KING 5. The ribbon-cutting ceremony kicks off at 11 a.m., followed by night markets starting at 4 p.m. at each of the new stations. Attendees can indulge in live music, an array of food trucks, and family-friendly activities such as bouncy houses and face painting. It is a community celebration complete with giveaways and more.
Looking to the future, the East Lake Extension 2 Line is poised to connect Lynnwood with downtown Redmond by 2025, which shall further enhance the network, adding 10 stations to the transit map. According to Sound Transit projections the southward expansion is not far behind, with the Federal Way Extension expected to begin welcoming riders in 2026 adding, 8 miles and three new stations to the Sound Transit's 1 Line to Angle Lake. For now, Lynnwood riders can revel in steering clear of Pacific Northwest traffic, as they zoom into Seattle's eclectic urban mosaic at unprecedented speeds.
