Sound Transit, Houston Metro to open transit facilities to connect to rail systems

Sound Transit and the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston Metro) will each open new transit facilities that will help riders connect to rail systems. 

Sound Transit 

Sound Transit will open two new stations on the Link 2 Line in Redmond, Wash., on May 10. The 3.4-mile Downtown Redmond Link Extension includes two new stations in southeast Redmond at Marymoor Village and Downtown Redmond. The agency notes two-car trains will run every 10 minutes, 16 hours a day. The initial segment of the 2 Line between South Bellevue and Redmond Technology Station opened on April 27, 2024, with first-day ridership of 35,000. 

"In just a few short months, we will open two new stations that will provide more connections and economic opportunity for workers, students and visitors throughout the region," said Snohomish County Executive and Sound Transit Board Chair Dave Somers. "The people who live, work and play here deserve a quality system that takes them out of traffic and on to their next destination." 

"Starting May 10, you can catch a concert at Marymoor Park, enjoy a day of shopping at Redmond Town Center and explore the culinary delights of downtown Redmond with a quick, easy trip on light rail," said King County Councilmember and Sound Transit Board Vice Chair Claudia Balducci. "Building on last year’s opening of the 2 Line and looking forward to the connection across Lake Washington this year, the opening of the Downtown Redmond Link Extension continues the eastside’s transformation and welcomes a new era that will make life better for people across our region."  

Sound Transit notes the full 2 Line is expected to open in late 2025 with the completion of the 1-90 segment of East Link. When completed, the I-90 segment will add the Mercer Island and Judkins Park stations to the 2 Line and connect to the 1 Line at the International District/Chinatown Station in downtown Seattle. 

Starting May 10, the 2 Line will serve the following stations: 

• South Bellevue 
• East Main 
• Bellevue Downtown 
• Wilburton 
• Spring District 
• BelRed 
• Overlake Village 
• Redmond Technology 
• Marymoor Village 
• Downtown Redmond 

Service will run from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. seven days a week and will connect with the regional transit network at South Bellevue, Bellevue Downtown, Redmond Technology, Marymoor Village and Downtown Redmond stations. 

The agency notes the Marymoor Village station includes a new 1,400-stall parking garage. Parking also is available at South Bellevue, BelRed and Redmond Technology stations. Several stations are accessible from the Eastrail corridor and the regional trail network. Secure bike parking is available at every station. 

"This is a transformative moment for the eastside, as Sound Transit continues to expand light-rail service on the 2 Line. These two new stations in Redmond will not only open up more jobs, housing and opportunity for people throughout the region, but will also bring the crown jewel of the King County Parks, Marymoor Park, a car-free light rail ride away," said King County Executive and Sound Transit Board Member Dow Constantine.   

"It’s exciting to see trains in Downtown Redmond, as we continue pre-revenue testing in preparation for the opening of two more stations on the 2 Line," said Sound Transit Interim CEO Goran Sparrman. "This milestone is happening thanks to the continued collaboration with our partners at King County and the city of Redmond and through the hard work of our contractors and staff." 

Houston Metro 

Houston Metro has opened the new Missouri City Park & Ride, a modern transit hub designed to improve mobility for Missouri City and Fort Bend County residents. Situated at the intersection of Fort Bend Parkway and Knight Road, Houston Metro notes the facility connects riders to the Texas Medical Center, with options to hop on METRORail or other local bus routes. The agency says the facility also serves as a pick up and drop off point for Houston Metro’s 363 Missouri City curb2curb service, allowing for easy travel to and from the location. 

"As this community continues to grow, access to reliable transit will be increasingly more important," said Houston Metro Board Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock. "The new Missouri City Park & Ride expands mobility options, making it easier for commuters to connect to key destinations within [Houston] Metro’s service area." 

The agency notes the new Missouri City Park & Ride offers 1,750 covered parking spaces and a covered waiting area to ensure a comfortable and convenient travel experience.

The facility serves as an anchor in Phase III of the Fort Bend Town Center development, a mixed-use lifestyle center that includes housing, retail and entertainment venues. Houston Metro notes that with the opening of the new location, the 271 Missouri City - SH6 Park & Ride route has been discontinued. The new 270 Missouri City Park & Ride route will operate exclusively at this facility.