In the latest episode of Bellevue Bound, host Megan Adams sits down with Ariel Taylor of Sound Transit to explore one of the most exciting transportation developments in the Pacific Northwest: the 2-Line light rail expansion and the world's first light rail system to cross a floating bridge. 🚈🌊
For decades, Lake Washington served as a physical divide between Bellevue and Seattle. Today, thanks to Sound Transit’s growing light rail network, travelers, commuters, and visitors can move between the two cities more easily than ever before, all while enjoying one of the most scenic transit rides in the country.
From engineering innovation to tourism accessibility, this conversation reveals how public transportation is helping shape the future of travel across the region.
A World-First Engineering Achievement
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Eastside light rail expansion is its crossing of Lake Washington via the Interstate 90 floating bridge.
While floating bridges themselves are rare engineering feats, creating a rail system capable of operating across one presented an entirely new challenge. Engineers spent years developing innovative solutions that allow trains to move smoothly and safely across a structure designed to float and flex with changing lake conditions.
Connecting Bellevue to the Region
The new 2 Line represents a major advancement for Bellevue and the Eastside.
With light rail now connecting Bellevue to Seattle and providing convenient access to Sea-Tac Airport via a transfer to the 1 Line, travel throughout the region has become faster, easier, and more accessible.
For visitors, this means:
🚉 Easy day trips between Bellevue and Seattle
✈️ Convenient airport connections
🏨 Car-free access to hotels, restaurants, attractions, and events
🌲 A more sustainable way to explore the Pacific Northwest
Whether you're attending a conference in Bellevue, catching a Mariners game in Seattle, or flying into the region for a weekend getaway, public transit is becoming one of the simplest ways to navigate the area.
Why Transit Matters for Tourism
Transportation plays a critical role in the visitor experience.
Ariel and Megan discuss how accessible transit helps travelers feel more confident exploring destinations beyond traditional tourist hubs. Instead of limiting themselves to a single neighborhood, visitors can easily discover multiple communities throughout the region.
For Bellevue, this creates exciting opportunities.
As more travelers utilize light rail, they're discovering Bellevue's vibrant downtown, diverse dining scene, world-class shopping, outdoor recreation, and growing collection of cultural attractions.
The easier it is to get here, the more likely visitors are to experience everything Bellevue has to offer.
Getting Around Bellevue with BellHop
Once you arrive in downtown Bellevue via the Sound Transit 2 Line, exploring the city is even easier thanks to BellHop, Bellevue's free, on-demand electric shuttle service. 🚐✨
Pro Tip: Download the BellHop app to enjoy a free ride around downtown Bellevue.
Tips for Riding Sound Transit
For first-time riders, getting started is easier than ever.
Helpful tools include:
📱 The Transit App for real-time arrivals and trip planning
🎟️ ORCA Cards for seamless fare payment across regional transit systems
🗺️ Bellevue's Discovery Map for exploring nearby attractions, restaurants, hotels, and experiences
Whether you're a daily commuter or a first-time visitor, these tools make navigating the region simple and stress-free.
A More Connected Future
The Eastside light rail expansion is an investment in connectivity, sustainability, and regional growth.
By linking Bellevue, Seattle, Lynnwood, Redmond, Sea-Tac Airport, and beyond, Sound Transit is helping create a future where visitors and residents can move throughout the region with greater ease than ever before.
And perhaps the best part?
You get one of the most beautiful transit rides in North America along the way.
🎧 Watch the Full Episode
Hear Megan Adams and Ariel Taylor discuss the future of transit, the engineering behind the floating bridge crossing, and how light rail is reshaping travel throughout the Pacific Northwest on this episode of Bellevue Bound.
Helpful Resources
🚉 Learn more about Sound Transit and the 2 Line
🎟️ ORCA Card Information & Rider Guide
🗺️ Download the Visit Bellevue Discovery App(ios)
🗺️ Download the Visit Bellevue Discovery App(android)
