Sound Transit's link light rail service is expanding this Saturday, bringing three new stations to South King County. The extension includes stops at Kent-Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way Downtown. This development promises to significantly cut commute times for many residents and offers a potential boost for local businesses.
Key Takeaways
- New light rail stations open in Kent-Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way Downtown.
- Commute times are expected to decrease significantly for South King County residents.
- Local businesses anticipate an increase in customer traffic after years of construction disruption.
- The expansion connects Federal Way directly to Seattle, including key destinations like Highline College and Veteran's Affairs buildings.
New Connections for Commuters
The new light rail extension represents a major improvement for daily commuters. Previously, many residents faced long journeys involving multiple bus transfers to reach destinations in Seattle and other parts of King County. The direct train service will streamline these trips, offering a faster and more convenient option.
Jacqueline Dominguez, a volunteer at El Centro de la Raza in Seattle, currently navigates a three-bus commute. With the new light rail, her journey will be reduced to a single train ride. "I’m so happy… and excited," she stated, looking forward to the change. She also noted the convenience for her future studies at Highline College, which is directly accessible from the new light rail route.
Commute Time Savings
Some commuters anticipate cutting their travel time by more than an hour. For example, reaching Veteran's Affairs buildings on Beacon Hill, which previously took almost two hours by bus and existing light rail, will become substantially quicker.
Brian Schauf, another local commuter, highlighted the impact on his trips to Veteran’s Affairs. "Normally I have to ride the A Line [bus] all the way down to either Angle Lake or Tukwila light rail station," he explained. "So I'm looking at an almost two-hour commute. This will cut that time down substantially.”
Economic Hopes for Local Businesses
While commuters celebrate easier travel, businesses located near the new stations are looking forward to increased foot traffic. The years of light rail construction brought significant disruptions, including heavy traffic and noise, which negatively impacted local establishments. Many business owners are now hoping for a recovery and a surge in new customers.
Kabal Gill, owner of East India Grill in Federal Way, operates just a block from the new Federal Way station. He has experienced substantial financial losses due to the construction. Gill, who serves his own interpretation of Punjabi cuisine, hopes the new rail service will bring more diners to his restaurant.
"We are farmers. We don’t like city food, period. We only buy salt from the city. And the farmers — they have everything. Real vegetables, chicken, goat, and lamb. That taste was in me."
Gill is banking on the new customers arriving by train. He estimates losing millions of dollars over the years because of the construction-related traffic and noise. The opening day, marked by an 11 a.m. ribbon-cutting on Saturday, will be a crucial moment for businesses like his, as they watch to see who steps off the trains.
Connecting Communities and Cultures
The light rail expansion also opens up new opportunities for leisure and cultural exploration. Residents can now more easily access diverse neighborhoods and attractions across the region. Food enthusiasts, in particular, see this as a chance to explore new dining experiences.
Qais Habibi is eager to take his children to Seattle’s Persian restaurants. He specifically mentioned Persepolis in the University District and its special kabob. "It’s a special kabob," he said. "It’s really, really nice. It’s like ground meat… and the way they prepare it — it’s amazing stuff.”
Sound Transit's Vision
Sound Transit aims to connect communities across the Puget Sound region with efficient and reliable public transportation. This latest extension is part of a larger plan to expand the light rail network, reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable travel options.
The expanded service is expected to foster greater connectivity between South King County and the broader Seattle metropolitan area. This not only benefits daily commuters but also enhances access to educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and cultural destinations, making the region more accessible for everyone.
Impact on Urban Development
New transit hubs often act as catalysts for urban development. The areas around the Kent-Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way Downtown stations may see increased investment in housing, retail, and commercial spaces. This growth could further transform these neighborhoods, creating more vibrant and pedestrian-friendly environments.
The city of SeaTac, for example, has already started to recenter its development around the existing Angle Lake light rail station. Federal Way and its neighboring communities are likely to experience similar shifts as residents and businesses adapt to the enhanced connectivity provided by the new light rail service.
Local government officials and urban planners will be closely monitoring the effects of this expansion. The goal is to leverage the new infrastructure to create sustainable growth and improve the quality of life for residents. This includes planning for pedestrian access, cycling routes, and complementary bus services to ensure seamless integration with the light rail.
- Enhanced regional mobility.
- Potential for economic revitalization.
- Improved access to education and employment centers.
- Opportunities for cultural and recreational outings.
