Thousands of people boarded trains with excitement as the Federal Way Light Rail officially opened its doors on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in Sound Transit's expansion. The highly anticipated event saw the unveiling of three new stations: Federal Way Downtown, Star Lake, and Kent Des Moines. The opening day celebrations, filled with family-friendly activities, live music, and delicious food, attracted a large crowd to the newly opened Federal Way Link Extension project.
The 1 Line, now the second-longest light rail line in the U.S. at 41 miles, stretches all the way to Federal Way, surpassing the A Line in Los Angeles. This extension follows the successful 8.5-mile Lynnwood Link extension, which opened in August 2024. Sound Transit has been working tirelessly on this project since 2008, when voters approved the Sound Transit 2 (ST2) ballot measure, aiming to reach S 272nd Street, where the Star Lake Station now stands.
However, the journey was not without challenges. The 2009 Great Recession forced Sound Transit to scale back plans and seek additional funding to extend the line beyond Angle Lake. The 2016 Sound Transit 3 (ST3) ballot measure came to the rescue, securing the necessary funds to bring the light rail all the way to Federal Way's downtown area.
Despite the rain, the day was a momentous occasion for South King County, an area often overlooked in transportation investments. Elected officials, including King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, who famously predicted that light rail would never arrive in the area, were present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The light rail alignment, mostly following the I-5 freeway south of SeaTac, is a result of advocacy from the cities of Federal Way, Des Moines, and Kent.
However, some transit advocates still express disappointment that the line didn't follow State Route 99, which could have led to greater redevelopment opportunities. The scarce redevelopment near Star Lake Station and limited activity elsewhere seem to validate the SR 99 alignment advocates' arguments. Unlike other areas in the growing Sound Transit network, the Federal Way Link stations have not experienced a housing boom, with only about 3,000 homes in the development pipeline.
Despite these challenges, the extension is expected to attract more riders and stimulate economic growth. Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell emphasizes the importance of the project in connecting the entire region and providing economic opportunities. King County Executive Girmay Zahilay shares a similar sentiment, highlighting the reliable and affordable transportation options it offers for students, workers, and families.
The federal delegation also played a crucial role in pushing the Federal Way light rail project forward, securing federal funding despite threats during Donald Trump's presidency. Senator Maria Cantwell proudly mentions the successful negotiation of grants, ensuring the project's completion. Sound Transit's next expansion is set for spring 2026, with the 2 Line light rail extension across Lake Washington, bringing new stations to Judkins Park and Mercer Island.
As the project progresses, Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine reminds us that infrastructure projects often become an integral part of our daily lives, and we will eventually take them for granted. The Federal Way Light Rail is a testament to the power of perseverance and collaboration, bringing a brighter future to the region.
