The Crosslake Connection opens Saturday, placing Seattle’s Chinatown-International District (CID) at the center of a newly expanded light rail system.
Sound Transit said the new segment will connect the 2 Line to the 1 Line at International District/Chinatown Station, allowing continuous rail service between Seattle and the Eastside.
For the CID, the change is both geographic and practical. The station now serves as the southernmost stop before trains head east across Lake Washington. Service is expected every four to five minutes through the station for much of the day.
“The completion of the 2 Line exponentially expands employment, housing and recreation opportunities for people on the east and west sides of Lake Washington,” said King County Executive and Sound Transit Boardmember Girmay Zahilay.
During opening day, riders can explore the new 2 Line between the CID and South Bellevue and participate in a “Discover. Stamp. Win!” promotion, with prizes available at a welcome tent at Sam Smith Park. The first 1,000 participants will receive commemorative bucket hats from Microsoft, which is also distributing limited ORCA transit cards preloaded with round-trip fare.
Transit officials are encouraging people to walk, bike or take transit to the celebrations, with shuttles running between Mount Baker Station and South Bellevue and free rides offered by Lime on Saturday.
For more information, go to soundtransit.org/crosslake.
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