Historic Station Opening Marks Start of Light Rail Service on Mercer Island

On Saturday, March 28, history was made when the first trains carrying passengers pulled into Mercer Island Station, marking the official start of light rail service on the Island as part of Sound Transit’s Crosslake Connection.

That morning, the station opened to great fanfare, with scores of expectant riders lined up outside both entrances to be among the first to experience this new era of transportation. All day, trains rolling into and out of the station were packed with people who wanted to be a part of the historic day.

Across the street, an event celebrating the station opening took place on the top deck of the Park and Ride lot, drawing hundreds of residents and visitors with food, live music, games and activities for kids, prizes, and giveaways, and a variety of local and regional vendors and organizations.

Earlier in the morning, Mayor Dave Rosenbaum and members of the Mercer Island City Council joined Gov. Bob Ferguson, U.S. Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, fellow mayors from Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond, and many other regional leaders at Judkins Park in Seattle to celebrate the launch of the Sound Transit 2 Line. The line, whose opening had been pushed back several years due to construction and other delays, connects Mercer Island with Seattle and Bellevue/Redmond in minutes via a route across Lake Washington on I-90.

“As we watch the first-ever train cross over a floating bridge, it’s emblematic of the northwest spirit of ingenuity. Now with the Crosslink Connection complete, our communities will be even more intertwined, fostering the next generation of innovators and builders. Right in the middle of all this is our community of Mercer Island. We’re excited to celebrate this milestone today, and we can’t wait to welcome you to explore all that we have to offer,” Mayor Rosenbaum said in his remarks to the audience.

After the ceremony, Mayor Rosenbaum participated in a ribbon cutting in front of Judkins Park Station. He then joined the Mercer Island delegation and other dignitaries to board the first train to cross Lake Washington and arrive on Mercer Island after the opening.

To address concerns about safety near the station, the Mercer Island City Council authorized the addition of two Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) officers. This move was made several years ago before Sound Transit delayed the opening.

“The City's highest priority is to keep the community safe,” said MIPD Chief Michelle Bennett. “To that end, MIPD is focusing on ensuring a rapid response to all emergency calls, working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners, and deploying officers in an effective manner. This includes the creation of a three-officer unit with the specific objective to patrol the station area and Town Center and respond to calls.”

“As a city, we look forward to the many benefits this will bring to residents, businesses, and visitors,” Rosenbaum said. “At the same time, we hear the concerns regarding community safety and the changes this brings to the Island. The City has been preparing for this day for years, and we remain fully committed to working closely with our police department, Sound Transit, and other regional partners to ensure the station and surrounding area remains a safe, welcoming, and high-quality environment for everyone."

For more information about the station, including a list of real-time train arrivals, visit Sound Transit’s website.