Three new Link stations open in Seattle

Three new Link stations opened in Seattle on Saturday.

SEATTLE - Saturday, three new Link light rail stations opened in Seattle extending the network by 4.3 miles.

Transit officials say these new stations are expected to service 41,000 to 49,000 daily riders by 2022.

The new stations are in the U-District, Roosevelt and Northgate.

Some people took advantage of the new station in the U-District to get to the Mariners' game much quicker than normal.

"It’s really convenient. I really like it," said Jeter Arellano.

Arellano and his friends say the stop at Husky Stadium used to take them about 30 minutes to walk to. This new stop cuts down the time to get to the station, and the effort it takes to get there.

"The bad thing is from Husky Stadium to our place, it’s up hill which is even worse," said Nick Haynie.

Other people riding the Link, had no set destination. They were just along for the ride on Saturday.

"We drove to Capitol Hill. Got on at Capitol Hill station and then took it all the way to Northgate and then hopped off at all the different stations on the way back," said Justin Hanes.

Hanes lives in Bothell. He says it’s cool to finally see the completed product after driving past the construction of the link rail extensions so often.

"A lot of the people up there I haven’t seen in all of COVID, and it’s really connecting the communities," Hanes added.

This is the beginning of big growth in the region. Over the next three years, the Link Light Rail network is expected to triple it’s reach from 22 miles to 62 miles.

The first extension is to Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood. That extension is expected sometime in 2022.

Then extension to East King County are coming in 2023, and Lynnwood, Federal Way and Downtown Redmond in 2024.

Stay connected with FOX 13 News on all platforms:
DOWNLOAD: FOX 13 News and Weather Apps
WATCH: FOX 13 News Live
SUBSCRIBE: FOX 13 on YouTube
DAILY BRIEF: Sign Up For Our Newsletter
FOLLOW: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram