Sound Transit Opened Pinehurst Light Rail Station

The new North Seattle station began passenger service five years ahead of its original 2031 schedule.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Sound Transit Opened Pinehurst Light Rail Station

Live Poll

Should regional transit agencies prioritize project speed even when facing large budget shortfalls?

Sound Transit officially opened the Pinehurst light rail station in North Seattle this September. The new transit hub serves the 1 and 2 Lines and was completed well ahead of its initial target date.

Why it matters

The board authorized accelerated construction to complete the station while the regional rail corridor remained inactive. This strategic scheduling move allowed for early delivery despite broader fiscal challenges facing the agency.

The agency is currently managing a projected $34.5 billion financial shortfall. Additionally, crews are preparing to launch an $87 million fare gate pilot program covering 14 stations.

The players

Sound Transit

This is the regional transit authority responsible for planning, building, and operating light rail, commuter rail, and bus service in the Seattle metropolitan area.

King County Metro

This public transportation agency operates the bus service throughout King County and provides essential connectivity to regional transit hubs.

The details

Located near NE 130th, the station features track tie-ins built during the Lynnwood Link extension construction. While the site does not include a commuter parking garage, it is connected to the regional bus network via King County Metro Route 77.

2016: Voters approved the Sound Transit 3 ballot measure.
February 2020: The board voted to advance final station design.
2022: Budget increases and contract changes were authorized.
September 2026: Pinehurst Station opened.
2029 or 2030: Fare gate pilot installations scheduled for completion.

Market Landscape

The opening reflects a wider effort by the agency to accelerate infrastructure delivery within the constraints of the Sound Transit 3 ballot measure. This project highlights a shift toward completing key transit corridors while regional work remains active to mitigate future construction costs.

Commuters can access the 1 and 2 Lines at the new station without a park-and-ride facility. Those relying on the transit system should anticipate changes to station security as the agency begins implementing fare gates across 14 locations.

The takeaway

Early delivery of transit infrastructure can provide immediate regional benefits even as agencies manage significant long-term financial constraints. Residents should check local transit maps to see how the new Pinehurst stop integrates with existing King County Metro bus routes.

What happens next

Sound Transit is scheduled to complete its fare gate pilot installations in 2029 or 2030. Additionally, the agency projects the completion of the West Seattle expansion by 2032 and the Ballard expansion by 2042.