Sound Transit's 2 Line Grand Opening on the Eastside: Visiting All Eight New Stations Vlog

[@BestSideCycling]

Hope you enjoyed my adventure! What do you think of the new opening? Does this change things for you? Would you use it together with your bicycle?

[@DanielLoveReel]

Such a beautiful day. Not every day we get to open an entire new line.

[@BestSideCycling]

Truly! Such a cool experience

[@PeteLorimer]

I looked for you out there, but there were so many people. It’s great news for transit in the Seattle area.

[@BestSideCycling]

Find me next time! I always have stickers to hand out. For sure, super exciting.

[@starrwulfe]

Glad to see Seattle's Eastside expansion. Hopefully I'll be using it when I visit BelRed later this year!

[@BestSideCycling]

Let us know how it goes

[@Sivah_Akash]

Wow! Didn't expect this much hype!

[@BestSideCycling]

Indeed, it was an intense amount of hype. I don't know if I'll ever see a link that full until the soccer championships!

[@PNW4K]

Wow you got this video up fast! I visited all 8 stations today too, it was very cool to see and experience.

[@BestSideCycling]

Haha.... It was definitely a very busy day for me. Wanted to strike while the irons hot and catch the hype 😎

[@ThunderRoo]

Wonderful video! Thank you for sharing, and it was wonderful being able to ride the new line in fursuit haha :)

[@MelissaAndAlex]

We were there too! It was so fun! While I won’t utilize 2 line much until it connects to Seattle, it’s exciting to see. One reason I rarely visit Bellevue is the stressful drive. I CANT WAIT to get there from Lynnwood !

[@BestSideCycling]

That's going to be great, I'm super excited too. Honest game changer for many

[@KHQMaster]

Look at all these new Pokestops

[@Liggie55821]

I waited a couple of hours after the grand opening before I rode it, and I still ran into crowds. I'll definitely use this when the tracks over the bridge are running, I anticipate riding to games, performances and restaurants in downtown Seattle, and the airport.

[@BestSideCycling]

Hundred percent! As a south Bellevue resident I reckon the bus will still be better for the airport but everything else let's go by rail!

[@allanohlsen7729]

That was a really good video, Hancock. You captured everything about the 2line. I checked out the Redmond technology station last Tuesday by bike, thinking, "Boy, Microsoft must have thrown a ton of money into this place". It's beautiful. I love the light rail. I live just six blocks from the SeaTac station. With a senior orca card, I can go anywhere for a buck. I can't wait for the two lines joining in Seattle.

[@MilesShvets]

My friends and I are in this video!

[@BestSideCycling]

Hope you had a fun day!

[@Purplesquigglystripe]

Saw so many bromptons there, well more specifically like two or three. But I’ve never seen one in person before so it was exciting!

[@BestSideCycling]

So ironic I didn't have mine but don't fret I'll definitely do a Brompton + 2 line video soon

[@louspeed1]

Looks like fun - excited to have more non-car options.

[@BestSideCycling]

That's what this is all about!

[@JeremiahG-ck5ny]

I didn't get to see all of the stations, it was SO busy! Thank you for documenting all of this!!

[@sklegg]

I will definitely use this with my bicycle. There are some great rides out there on the east side that are just a little too far from home. If I can ride out on my bike, explore, and take the train home it opens up a lot of routes that are just a little bit out of reach for me currently.

[@mattyu007]

Woohoo this looks awesome!! Can’t wait for when it finally connects to the west side too 🎉

[@BestSideCycling]

For sure.... That's going to be the true game changer! Light Rail over floating bridge sounds so cool too

[@TotemKommo-o]

As someone from Chicago looking to move to Seattle, I'm excited for this. Seattle may not have the network *yet* like Chicago does, but it sounds a lot like they care about it. Meanwhile a lot of people over here want our CTA president replaced because we feel like they're not really doing anything to improve the system. It looks like Seattle's stations are very pretty and actually cares about the surrounding amenities. Also the trains in general are prettier with the colors, and I prefer pantograph over third rail. Furries on a train too? Didn't know Seattle was chill like that, but it's very welcoming and I love it! 10 minute frequency is about on par with what I'm used to/max I can tolerate. How's the cleanliness of the ride overall? In Chicago, our system is criticized for people smoking or sleeping on the train, usually homeless or poor. I understand it's public transit, but if you want people to use it, it can be... unattractive.

[@jakelondon]

We were out later. I've ridden each new leg of the train on the first day. So cool. Shame they can't just run bus service from South Bellevue Station to Mercer, Judkins Park, and ID Stations, so it connects directly to the 1 line and the transfers are more efficient for train riders on both sides of the lake.

[@BestSideCycling]

Interesting, but with the 550 express ... You're just missing Judkins park right? Or am I missing something else

[@jakelondon]

If you live in South Seattle, missing Judkins is meaningful, because having it would mean not having to go downtown to connect to the 2 line. Also, seems like the 550 boards at 2nd and Yesler, so not as smooth a connection as a bus that boarded right by the ID Station. That bus would also put people closer to the stadiums who wanted to ride in from the East side for ball games. It's not a huge amount, but the corner of 2nd and Yesler isn't a great corner.

[@jakelondon]

Treating that shuttle as a part of the Link Line would also allow people to experience the combination as an integrated experience. So they could get in the habit of experiencing it that way. Since that bus would only touch 4 stops and much of it is on I-90, it would probably also be easier to keep in on time, because it doesn't really go into the heart of downtown. You'd think that might help to increase usage on the 2 line side by simplifying the experience of continuing your ride to Seattle from S. Bellevue, or in reverse. All you need to know is get on the shuttle, just like when there's an issue at a station and then need to replace with busses. I've seen credible arguments the ST should be running a bus line after midnight that more or less just tracks all of the stations on the 1 line, so service can continue overnight (which I think is a great idea). This would be kind of like a subset of that idea. That said, I suppose you could also accomplish something similar by adding a 550 stop at Judkins.

[@christopherw]

Super cool, thanks for sharing. And just to be sure to give her the proper earned title, Patty Murray is not a State Senator, she is a US Senator.

[@BestSideCycling]

Sorry and thanks for the correction! I got myself mixed up looking at Jay Inslee and Patty frame to frame plus I'm Canadian so please forgive me

[@christopherw]

@@BestSideCycling Not a HUGE issues. I love the enthusiasm and thanks for sharing.

[@gregkostello2028]

Thank you for the in-depth tour!

[@BestSideCycling]

You're welcome! It was super fun

[@MouthBreather_]

HUGEE for Seattle!!

[@BestSideCycling]

It's going to be so game changing for me when it connects into Seattle!

[@superdragon4ever]

Love the festivities! Can’t wait to see the same for the opening of the Lynnwood extension and for when the 2 line connects to Seattle. On another subject, what do you know about those bike lockers? Are they secure and easy to use? Thinking of making use of those when I get on the 1 line.

[@BestSideCycling]

I'll make a video about the bike lockers! I have heard good things from others but never tried personally

[@superdragon4ever]

@@BestSideCycling That would be a great and useful video! I’m hoping the new stations opening in August will have them

[@Dreamprism]

I was hoping to find a video of the speeches given at the grand opening at Bellevue Downtown Station, since I had work during the time of the ribbon-cutting. Your video definitely beats out all the little news clips I found (including the one with you in it & the one with the Seattle Times video guy in it), but it wasn't 100% what I was looking for. Still, looks like you had a good time, and I commend you in putting this together so fast.

[@SpeedyBlueBiker1]

It kind of reminded me of the BTS light rail & MRT subway system in Bangkok. The difference being that in Bangkok it is extremely crowded almost all day long. I will probably use it at some point, especially when it starts going across Lake Washington into Seattle.

[@BestSideCycling]

You and me both. Getting to skip right to International District and even get to Lynwood etc is pretty crazy to think about.

[@Dreamprism]

I had work the first couple hours but then visited all the stations in order from Redmond Technology down to South Bellevue, submitting about 20 new wayspots (which serve as Portals in Ingress & PokeStops and Gyms in Pokemon Go) to the nomination queue as I went along; a couple have already been approved since then - Wilburton Station and East Main Station. Sadly, I didn't get my stuff stamped because Redmond Technology was so busy when I was there that I hadn't considered picking one of those things up. So, by the time I was at the relatively quiet Wilburton Station and saw the stamp thing I didn't want to go back to the previously visited stations and wouldn't have had the time anyway. After finishing at South Bellevue Station, I barely made it back in time to BelRed Station to paint part of the community mural. I had been there earlier but it was raining and they had to stop the painting at that time. But they said they were still planning to finish it today even if they needed tents, so I was sure to go back and partske!

[@gerardofacundo6721]

Time for me go home! Would've loved this growing up

[@SkywardShoe]

I've been loving the new 2 Line, though I am even more excited for when the extension to Downtown Redmond is finished!

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

We gotta sync up sometime lol. You were like 50 yards away from me. :P Semi related though, I herniated a disc in my back so biking is a no go at the moment.

[@BestSideCycling]

Haha we totally should get in touch. I'd love to learn from your videography and just talk anyway! DM me on IG or if you have a platform I can find you on 😆

[@BestSideCycling]

Oh! Missed it but feel better soon dude. That sounds rough, fast recovery 🤞

[@mrxman581]

Congratulations, Seattle! Was it not free to ride opening day? In LA it was free for the whole weekend when they opened the Regional Connector in June 2023. A ton of people, too on the first day. Great to see everyone turn out in Seattle. We'll done. Thanks for filming this and weathering the weather.😀

[@BestSideCycling]

They didn't announce it as free but I don't think anyone was enforcing fares that day. I have a pass from work so I just wanted to hear the boops xD

[@mrxman581]

​@BestSideCycling Very cool. I get it. Spent the day in LA today riding the Metro to DTLA and Chinatown. So much easier than driving and paying for parking. Can't wait to visit Seattle and take the light rail.

[@enricoommassini351]

i am so happy for seattle and bellvue!

[@BestSideCycling]

Great day indeed!

[@KD-fu8ob]

Fantastic video, thank you!

[@BestSideCycling]

Glad you liked it! Stay tuned for more :)

[@wp40]

I really wanted to ride my bike over for the grand opening, but I'm in HKG today enjoying the MTR. It's really a downer comparing the two systems but I'll take what we can get from ST.

[@BestSideCycling]

Haha the only downside of the mtr.... No bikes without taking off the front wheel! 😆 Totally understand of course. MTR has shaped my worldview in many ways since a kid

[@MonicaC-r2r]

I'm looking forward to trying out the 2 line Ain bellevue I have the planet trip out there

[@BestSideCycling]

Yes! Plan a trip and come try it out

[@gmonorail]

wow is it ALL elevated then?

[@mantzechiu9767]

Good job!

[@BestSideCycling]

Thank you

[@abacef22]

My company charges for car parking in downtown bellevue so I plan on parking at south Bellevue station since it has a massive park and ride (and it is free currently) then the train will drop me off at east main

[@BestSideCycling]

Glad to hear you have a good usecase for this!

[@alembiqueONE]

you tapped before every train, how many times you got charged?

[@samjeffs2700]

they weren't enforcing fares, was told by multiple employees that it was ok not tapping on, but also if he did, the regional day pass for the region is a flat $8, lower if you specifically get the Sound Transit day pass

[@EricaGamet]

His pass says good through Jan 2025, so I assume he has an annual pass of some kind.

[@casmith245]

You have a two hour transfer time from the start of your first tap with a normal ORCA card. Thats why the machine was reading “XFER” when he tapped. So if you tap at all 8 stations within 2 hours you will only be charged one actual fare (your first tap) if it takes longer than two hours you might be charged a second tap, but every other tap within two hours would just be counted as a free transfer. Same with getting on to the bus from a station within two hours. Transfers to buses or other forms of transportation are usually free transfers but some longer trip buses (to Tacoma for example) might charge another $1 but everything locally is included within two hours other than a ride on the Seattle Monorail or Water Taxi which have reduced fares for transfers with ORCA cards.

[@michaelmarleau6450]

The hat and the tote bag are so cool!

[@BestSideCycling]

I agree! Definitely keeping them for my chill ride and groceries

[@wudanprojects]

We need one to Renton

[@cjaneknit5090]

FYI, that lineup of officials at the beginning includes Gov Inslee and US Senator Patty Murray.

[@BestSideCycling]

Thank you! Yes, I mixed up my titles sorry. State Governor. US Senator :)

[@o67_ant]

saw you on the news😄

[@BestSideCycling]

Haha did you notice before watching this video

[@o67_ant]

@@BestSideCycling yeah lmao

[@iw2610]

i saw you on tv 😄

[@BestSideCycling]

Hahaha :) Glad I got to rep Best Side Cycling on the big screen

[@LeoOrnelas-l2f]

Am I geeking or is that a seven foot dog?

[@ThunderRoo]

Woof. :3

[@arthur-zhuk]

It's not really done until it extends to downtown redmond.

[@BestSideCycling]

Yeah I'm excited for both connections to finish. Once it heads into Seattle, it's going to be a personal game changer

[@dulljumbo4321]

why is any of this thing at grade

[@casmith245]

Because tunneling underground is more expensive. Drivers will need to be aware of their surroundings. It also gives people the chance to see local infrastructure and businesses in the area they are traveling instead of just a concrete tunnel. Huge portions of the 1 line are at grade also, this is standard for Sound Transit and many light rail organizations internationally.

[@mrxman581]

​@@casmith245Do you know if it has signal prioritization at lighted intersections?

[@casmith245]

@@mrxman581 Legally trains have priority. So I assume yes everything is automated and reviewed my the control center.

[@be236]

Light rail is great.. but seems they'll cancel the commuter one-bus ride, from Eastside and/or North end, that goes direct to Seattle eventually and force everyone to go on these light rails.. I've been on these from Northgate to Seattle, and it so so many stops along the way (about ten or so??) that it's quite tiring and seems longer than it is... alas.

[@Oskar-o2d]

Only in America. No safety measure to prevent ppl on the tracks

[@Adventuregirl96]

Looks like you had a nice little adventure and had some fun.

[@BestSideCycling]

Indeed I did! Thanks for joining along and supporting the channel

[@BBlackmen]

I'm proud of King County for this move getting this part open I live in Federal Way and they're still working on the expansion of the light rail down in this area the platform is up all the structure is up but they're still working on a lot of different things I cannot wait till it opens I would love to be one of the first people to ride that rail

[@Artagah]

Hyped for the 2 line! Too bad it's currently 1 stop short of reaching my place on Mercer 🥲🥲🥲 what a tease, what a bummer haha

[@BestSideCycling]

Yeah I wish it made it to Mercer too!

[@mrxman581]

​@@BestSideCyclingthe more people ride it, the greater chance it continues to get extended.