2 Line Update: simulated service beginning February
Claudia Balducci and other Sound Transit Boardmembers previewed the 2 Line connection across Lake Washington in December (photo courtesy Claudia Balducci via BlueSky). On Friday, King County Councilmember and Sound Transit Boardmember Claudia Balducci shared a series of updates regarding the cross-lake connection of the Link 2 Line via BlueSky.
In a series of posts, Claudia Balducci shared she previewed the unopened section of the 2 Line with project partners from WSDOT, King County Metro, Sound Transit, and the Federal Transit Administration, saying the ride was smooth and truly exciting." The line is performing pre-revenue testing now, but will begin simulating full-time service between Lynnwood and Redmond in February. Answering a question long asked by transit afficionados: Sound Transit is planning to allow passengers to board 2 Line trains operating between Lynnwood and CID during simulated service.
- Claudia Balducci (@kccclaudia.bsky.social) 2026-01-09T00:45:18.897Z
Riders in the central part of the system can expect 4minute headways at peak times, improving frequency and convenience.
When simulated service of the 2 Line begins in February, trains will serve stations from Lynnwood to CID every 4 minutes at peak hours. Riders of southbound 2 Line trains in Seattle will have to disembark at CID station before the train continues simulating service to the unopened stations at Judkins Park and Mercer Island.
Sound Transit's most recent System Expansion Monthly Progress Report provides an update of work completed through November 2025. The report indicates the full 2 Line is expected to open for revenue service by May 31, but that date includes float" time which is included in case of additional unexpected delays. Based on that report, transit advocate Jason Li is betting the revenue service date could be as early as March, but Sound Transit will not announce a formal opening date until simulated service is going smoothly.