Seattle commuters can expect faster and more frequent light rail service starting this Saturday. Sound Transit is doubling the number of trains operating between Lynnwood and the International District/Chinatown Station. This change means trains will arrive as often as every four minutes during peak hours, significantly increasing capacity on a busy segment of the rail network.
The increased frequency comes as Sound Transit integrates new 2 Line practice trains with the existing 1 Line service. This interim measure aims to provide immediate relief for riders before the full 2 Line cross-lake segment opens in late March.
Key Takeaways
- Light rail frequency doubles between Lynnwood and International District/Chinatown.
- Trains will arrive every 4-5 minutes for most of the day.
- New 2 Line practice trains are sharing tracks with the 1 Line.
- This boosts capacity by 50% north of International District/Chinatown.
- Full 2 Line cross-lake service starts March 28.
Doubling Train Frequency for Commuters
Beginning this Saturday, passengers traveling between Lynnwood and Seattle's International District/Chinatown Station will see trains arriving much more often. Currently, this 17-mile stretch is served by the 1 Line. Now, new 2 Line practice trains will also operate on these tracks, effectively doubling the service.
During peak travel times, trains will arrive every four minutes. For most of the day, commuters can expect a train every five minutes. This marks a significant improvement for a segment that currently handles a large portion of the 1 Line's approximately 100,000 daily riders.
Service Boost
- Frequency: Every 4 minutes (peak), every 5 minutes (off-peak)
- Route: Lynnwood to International District/Chinatown
- Capacity Increase: 50% more total capacity
Preparing for Increased Operations
Sound Transit has been preparing for this operational change throughout the winter. Signal upgrades were necessary to ensure the safe operation of more trains on the same trackway. These upgrades automatically keep trains separated, maintaining safety standards.
"Since we can, we are — and we think it’s going to help people out in the interim, until we offer full service," stated Rachelle Cunningham, a Sound Transit spokesperson. She confirmed that the agency's safety division has approved the 2 Line to share tracks with the existing 1 Line segment.
Riders should pay close attention to the arriving trains. Southbound 1 Line trains are four cars long, marked with a green square, and display "FEDERAL WAY." The 2 Line practice trains are two cars long, have a blue square, and show "INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT/CHINATOWN" southbound.
Capacity Expansion and Rider Experience
The addition of two-car 2 Line practice trains to the existing four-car 1 Line trains will increase total capacity by 50% during most hours north of the International District/Chinatown Station. This means more open seats and more space for passengers to spread out, addressing a common concern on crowded trains.
For passengers traveling south of the International District/Chinatown Station, service from Federal Way, SeaTac, and Tukwila will remain consistent with four-car 1 Line trains. This ensures that the southern portion of the line maintains its current service levels.
Understanding the 2 Line
The 2 Line launched its Eastside starter route in April 2024. It is designed to eventually connect downtown Redmond to downtown Lynnwood. This Saturday's change allows the 2 Line to extend its reach into Seattle as practice trains, bridging the gap before the full cross-lake service begins.
Navigating the New Service
During this six-week practice period, Sound Transit staff will be on hand to assist passengers. Southbound riders on the 2 Line trains will be asked to exit at the International District/Chinatown hub. These trains will then proceed empty across Lake Washington, preparing for the full cross-lake opening.
Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine offered a simple tip for riders: "Rule of thumb, short train is the short trip." This refers to the two-car 2 Line trains which will initially only go as far as International District/Chinatown.
Future of Light Rail Expansion
The full 2 Line, connecting the Eastside to Seattle, is set to open on March 28. This will include the new Judkins Park and Mercer Island stations. Once fully operational, the 2 Line trains will consist of two or three railcars, as there are not enough four-car sets in Sound Transit's current fleet for the Eastside route.
This phased approach ensures that Eastsiders will benefit from extended service hours on the 2 Line, which will now run until midnight, an increase from the previous 9 p.m. cutoff. While practice trains will arrive empty from Seattle, they will carry passengers from South Bellevue to Redmond.
Ultimately, the complete 2 Line will allow passengers to travel directly from downtown Redmond to downtown Lynnwood without needing to change trains. However, those heading to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport or other points south of downtown Seattle will still need to transfer at the International District/Chinatown Station.
The original East Link corridor, which runs from downtown Seattle to Redmond Technology Station, was approved by voters in 2008. This 14-mile segment is costing $3.9 billion and is opening six years later than initially planned.
