Story perspectives

Seattle's Light Rail to Launch Amid World Cup Excitement

1/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sound Transit will begin light rail service on March 28, 2026.
The 7.4-mile extension will connect South Bellevue with International District/Chinatown and add stations at Mercer Island and Judkins Park.
The project faced delays from construction issues, including track support concerns.
The opening coincides with FIFA Men’s World Cup in Seattle.
Sound Transit projects 50,000 daily riders by 2030 and the line will be the first floating-bridge light rail globally.

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Story summary

Sound Transit will begin light rail service on March 28, 2026.
The 7.4-mile extension will connect South Bellevue with International District/Chinatown and add stations at Mercer Island and Judkins Park.
The project faced delays from construction issues, including track support concerns.
The opening coincides with FIFA Men’s World Cup in Seattle.
Sound Transit projects 50,000 daily riders by 2030 and the line will be the first floating-bridge light rail globally.