Here’s what you need to know about navigating the “simulated service” schedule on the 1 Line and 2 Line in the weeks leading up to Crosslake Connection opening day.
This Valentine’s Day, Sound Transit will channel its primary love language (acts of service, of course) to celebrate the impending union between the region’s hottest couple: the Link 1 and 2 Lines.
Starting Feb. 14, riders on both sides of Lake Washington can take advantage of way more light rail service ahead of the 2 Line’s Crosslake Connection opening on March 28.
That’s because the project will enter its final testing phase this Saturday: simulated service. During this period, test trains will run the future schedule along the full length of the 2 Line, from Downtown Redmond across Lake Washington, through Seattle, up to Lynnwood, and back.
This means double the number of trains between International District/Chinatown and Lynnwood City Center and extended hours on the existing 2 Line between Downtown Redmond and South Bellevue, with trains running until midnight.
And we can’t wait to welcome you aboard.
Increased Link service is a major benefit for people across the region, and it means a big shift for riders’ routines.
Here’s what you can do to ensure a smooth transition for yourself and your fellow passengers.
When 2 becomes 1
Once 1 Line and 2 Line service starts mixing and mingling (also known as “interlining”) on Feb. 14, the busiest part of our system will see trains arriving every 4 minutes during weekday peak periods and every 5 minutes throughout the day.
This means riders between Lynnwood and downtown Seattle will need to pay careful attention to which train they’re boarding:
1 Line trains feature a green square and show the southbound destination “Federal Way.” They’re typically four-car trains and will operate their normal schedule from Lynnwood to Federal Way via the airport.
2 Line trains will feature a blue square and will be mostly two cars during simulated service. When traveling south, they’ll show the destination “International District/Chinatown,” where all passengers must disembark before trains continue across the lake.
For safety and security reasons, passengers are not allowed to continue through the Crosslake Connection segment until it opens for service on March 28.
Until then, security personnel and other support staff will be on hand at International District/Chinatown Station to make sure everyone exits 2 Line trains.
We need your help to make these transitions go smoothly.
Keep your ears open for operator announcements and be ready to exit. If you’re continuing south past International District/Chinatown, wait on the platform for the next 1 Line train.
We’re adding buffer time into our schedules to accommodate these train sweeps and carefully monitoring operations. If trains are falling too far behind schedule, we may stop allowing passengers to board southbound 2 Line trains to keep simulated service testing and 1 Line operations moving.
On the Eastside, all 2 Line passengers must continue exiting trains at the current terminus, South Bellevue Station, before test trains can continue toward Mercer Island and Seattle.
The Crosslake Connection opening is just around the corner, and there’s always a lot to learn during a service change — especially with new service patterns and different destinations.
You’ll see extra staff in the system to help guide you on your new options, so don’t hesitate to ask any of our ambassadors or security personnel if you need assistance — we're here to help!