Veterans, active-duty service members, and military retirees can board the 2 Line light rail in Bellevue without paying a fare through July 26, as Sound Transit offers free rides across its entire system for Seafair Fleet Week.
The rides cover Link light rail, including all six Bellevue stations on the 2 Line, plus Sounder commuter trains and Sound Transit Express buses. Any current or former member of the Armed Forces qualifies.
How to ride free
Service members in uniform board without any extra step. Those not in uniform need to show a valid military ID to the operator upon boarding, or to fare inspectors if asked. Sound Transit accepts three forms of identification:
- Uniformed Services Identification Card
- Veteran Health Identification Card
- Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214)
Sunday service disruption
Riders heading to Fleet Week events on Sunday, July 26, the final day of the free-ride benefit, should be aware of a planned maintenance closure.
The Crosslake portion of the 2 Line will be replaced by shuttle buses between South Bellevue Station and International District/Chinatown Station all day, according to Seattle Transit Blog's reporting on planned maintenance schedules.
Shuttles will run approximately every 10 to 15 minutes, slower than the normal 8-minute peak frequency. The 1 Line will increase to every 8 minutes that day to help offset the disruption.
More information on Fleet Week events and the Parade of Ships is available at seafair.org/fleetweek.
