Seattle Now At long last, light rail will connect Seattle to the Eastside
6 snips
Feb 3, 2026 
Joshua McNichols, KUOW growth and development reporter and Booming co-host, covers housing, transit, and regional economy. He explains the new light rail link across I-90 and its route. He outlines service changes and ridership expectations. He discusses how the connection reshapes jobs, housing access, recreation, and regional economic ties.
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One Transit Spine Expands Regional Access
- The Cross Lake Connection links Seattle and Eastside stations, adding Mercer Island and Judkins Park stops and creating a unified transit spine.
- Joshua McNichols says this expands housing and job access across a much larger regional market.
Frequency Doubles On Northern Segment
- The new route doubles train frequency on the north segment, changing intervals from eight minutes to four between International District and Lynnwood.
- Joshua notes south-end riders will need to transfer at International District to reach Bellevue.
Rides Offer Scenic And Recreational Trips
- Joshua paints scenic and recreational uses: trains serve trailheads, Marymoor Park, downtown venues and the waterfront.
- He compares the ride to the monorail experience with views across Mercer Slough and Lake Washington.