BELLEVUE, Wash. — On Puget Sound's eastside, the promise of a future light rail has had commuters chomping at the bit for years. However, we're learning the future may not be so far away.
In a post on X, Bellevue Transportation Department said that Sound Transit will begin sending trains on "regular practice runs" every 10 to 15 minutes this week. The route includes six stops between South Bellevue and Redmond Technology stations near the Microsoft campus.
"Simulated service is starting this week," said Anthony Gill, Grand Connection Manager with the City of Bellevue. "We're gonna start seeing trains on what will be their regular schedules."
But you cannot ride on them - yet.
"Really just making sure that everything is ready to go on day one when the starter line opens," said Gill.
Sound Transit said the Redmond to Bellevue line will begin service sometime this spring.
"We've been watching the construction," said Steve Orona, a longtime resident of Redmond. "We've seen that section going up, and it's starting to come together."
Another Redmond resident, Caitlin Hoffman, said she plans on riding the Eastside Link Extension once it officially debuts.
"I'm very excited," said Hoffman.
A City of Bellevue official said they are planning on conducting public awareness campaigns to encourage people to use the eastside rail once it opens.
Hoffman said she takes take two buses and a train to get to her workplace in Everett each day. She's hopeful this will limit the number of legs she has to take during her daily commute.
"It's a big tech city. And I think it's important that we accommodate that," said Hoffman.
Still, critics are stuck at a crossroads on whether the taxpayer investment will even be worth it.
"I don't see people getting out of their cars in this area. I don't see that happening," said Redmond resident Catherine Orona.
Only time will tell if the light rail becomes a fixture in the lives of residents, but in the meantime, Gill believes it brings new hope to the future of the eastside.
"Especially once it crosses over to Seattle, I think it'll also be a really great benefit for visitors," said Gill. "You'll have to make a transfer, but you'll be able to hop on the light rail straight from the airport, and come right over to great shopping, great dining."
Six stops will open this spring. The extension that connects the eastside to Seattle and Mercer Island is slated to open sometime next year.
Officials are now urging pedestrians and drivers to use caution at these crossings to avoid any tragedies.