BELLEVUE, Wash. — After years of anticipation, the Crosslake light rail connection is now running, and businesses near the new stations are watching closely to see whether the added access translates into more foot traffic and sales.
On Mercer Island, which is home to one of the new connecting stations on the 2 Line, some business owners said the island is typically self-contained commercially and does not expect dramatic changes. Others view the new rail access as an opportunity to draw customers who do not usually come to the island.
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Hap’s Burgers and Taps, a few minutes’ walk from the Mercer Island light rail station, saw a surge on opening day. Owner Daniel Brawer said the restaurant experienced about a 50% increase compared with a typical day, helped by good weather. Employees also said many customers appeared to be new faces rather than regular locals. Another nearby business also reported a bump in activity.
“So, whether it’s heading into summertime, the light rail, the World Cup, and hopefully you know the tariff and that type of situation getting calmer, it seems like things are headed in the right direction,” Brawer told KOMO News.
Not every business owner is convinced the early boost will last. Another restaurant owner said they hope for more business but are unsure whether it will hold long-term. That owner also said they are concerned the new connection could bring homeless or transient people into the downtown area near the light rail stop.
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The cross-lake connection stretches 63 miles with stops at 50 stations. Service on both the 1 Line and 2 Line is scheduled to run from about 5 a.m. to midnight seven days a week. Trains are expected to stop about every eight minutes at peak times at the new stations, with off-peak service running every 10 to 15 minutes.
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Between the Lynnwood City Center and International District-Chinatown stations, combined 1- and 2-Line headways are expected to mean trains arrive every four to five minutes.
