Ridership Topped 200,000 on 2 Line Crosslake Connection's Opening Day

Key Points:

• On the first full day of 2 Line service between Seattle and the Eastside, Sound Transit recorded 205,000 light rail riders, marking the second highest ridership day in its history, only surpassed by the recent Super Bowl victory parade.
• The launch weekend saw no major incidents, despite high demand and some delays caused by speeches and track issues, demonstrating operational success and strong community enthusiasm for expanded transit options.
• Current 2 Line trains are running with fewer cars due to maintenance constraints, leading to overcrowding concerns; Sound Transit plans to address this with additional Siemens train cars arriving by early 2028.
• Some service disruptions occurred early in the week, including a track blockage north of Tukwila International Boulevard Station and temporary 2 Line terminations at Northgate due to ongoing construction near Pinehurst Station.
• Sound Transit faces a $34.5 billion funding shortfall through 2046, prompting board discussions on deferring some projects, mainly parking-related, while maintaining plans for light rail expansions, with major decisions expected by May.