Seattle’s Lynnwood light rail opened

The third extension to Seattle’s light rail system this year was opened at 11.00 on 30 August, when line 1 was extended north by 13.6km (8.5 miles) and four stations from Northgate to Lynnwood, putting Lynwood within 26 minutes of central Seattle (where the University Street stop has been renamed as Symphony). 

 

The Lynnwood extension was approved by voters in 2018 under the Sound Transit Phase II ballot measure that raised USD 1.9 bn in taxes to pay for the line, topped up by a USD 1.2bn grant from the Federal Transit Administration. A joint venture of Stacy & Witback, Kiewit, Hoffman and Skanska Constructors carried out the infrastructure work, including electrification and signalling. 

 

Service is provided every 4 to 6 minutes at peaks. About 50 000 daily riders are expected by 2026, with P+R sites at the new stations taking cars off the congested Interstate 5. A flat fare of USD 3 now applies for light rail rides, replacing a fare structure that varied by distance. Senior, disabled and low-income riders can travel for USD 1. An all-day pass costs USD 6. 

 

This is the first time Sound Transit’s Link light rail has extended into Snohomish County. County Executive and Sound Transit Vice Chair Dave Somers said, ‘The Lynnwood Link extension will provide an efficient and sustainable transit option for our residents and bring numerous benefits to the region by enhancing daily commutes, reducing environmental impact and fostering economic development’.