Three new Link light rail stations will begin operations Saturday, extending service to Kent, Des Moines, and Federal Way and providing direct connections between Seattle and south King County communities.
Sound Transit projects that the Kent Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way stations will serve between 20,000 and 23,000 riders daily, potentially alleviating congestion on Interstate 5 as commuters shift from personal vehicles to public transit.
“We are taking a whole lot of cars off the road,” said Sound Transit spokesperson Luke Lamon. “It’s good for our overall environment because people have choices in the ways in which they move around the Sound.”
The new stations will integrate with existing regional public transportation networks including Sound Transit Express, King County Metro, and Pierce County Transit. The facilities are designed to facilitate seamless transfers between bus services and light rail, reducing wait times and improving the overall transit experience.
Pacifica, a Kent resident who works at SeaTac Airport, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion. “I work out of SeaTac Airport, but most of my family is down south, so it’s just very exciting to not have to drive,” she said.
Sound Transit estimates travel times of approximately 16 minutes from Federal Way to SeaTac Airport and about 50 minutes from Federal Way to downtown Seattle. Riders traveling from Kent Des Moines to downtown Seattle can expect a journey of roughly 42 minutes.
The extension provides significant cost savings for travelers heading to the airport. Alex Carter, a new light rail rider, highlighted the financial benefit: “That’s mainly why I took the light rail today and just avoid having to pay $100 for an Uber fare.”
The opening represents a major milestone in Sound Transit’s long-term expansion plans. The system has been gradually extending south from Seattle, with previous expansions reaching neighborhoods including Columbia City, Rainier Beach, and Tukwila before this latest phase.
Federal Way, the southernmost station in the new extension, provides the first light rail access to Pierce County borders. The city of approximately 100,000 residents has long advocated for improved transit connections to employment centers in Seattle and the surrounding region.
The Star Lake station serves communities between Federal Way and Kent, providing access for neighborhoods that previously had limited transit options. The intermediate stop allows for more flexible travel patterns and serves as a potential park-and-ride location for commuters.
Kent Des Moines station, despite its name including Des Moines, sits primarily within Kent city limits near the border between the two cities. The location serves residents of both communities and provides connections to local bus routes serving the surrounding area.
The stations feature amenities typical of Sound Transit’s light rail facilities, including covered platforms, ticket vending machines, elevators and escalators for accessibility, real-time arrival information displays, and bike storage. Security personnel and surveillance systems provide safety for riders using the stations.
Parking facilities at the new stations offer spaces for commuters who drive to the light rail rather than driving their entire commute. These park-and-ride lots aim to capture trips that would otherwise contribute to freeway congestion, particularly during peak commute periods.
The environmental benefits extend beyond reduced congestion. Shifting thousands of daily car trips to electric light rail reduces greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and noise in communities along the corridor. The electric trains produce zero direct emissions compared to gasoline or diesel vehicles.
Sound Transit continues expanding the regional light rail network. The Bellevue extension is expected to open in early 2026, connecting Seattle to the Eastside via a floating bridge over Lake Washington. The agency is actively testing trains on the new route to ensure systems function properly before carrying passengers.
Pacifica expressed hope that the expansion represents the beginning of more comprehensive transit development. “I hope it’s just the start,” she said. “It’s so important to be able to get around and not use a car, especially if you have a disability or something else. I’m personally very excited.”
The accessibility aspect resonates particularly for individuals with disabilities, elderly residents, and others who may face challenges driving. Light rail provides independence and mobility options that personal vehicles cannot offer for all community members.
The Saturday opening culminates years of planning, construction, and testing. Sound Transit has conducted extensive operator training, system testing, and mock service runs to prepare for the launch. The agency scheduled the opening for a weekend to allow staff to address any unexpected issues with lighter ridership than a weekday would bring.
