Bellevue 2 Line riders could face earlier last trains, more planned weekend closures, or reduced frequencies under Sound Transit's proposed 2027 Service Plan. The agency is asking for public feedback through July 27.

Sound Transit published the plan on Tuesday, July 14, proposing changes to Link light rail schedules and six ST Express bus routes. The stated goal: create more overnight maintenance time for the expanding rail system, which currently relies on a four-hour window each night for repairs.

The agency is weighing three options to increase maintenance access on the 1 Line and 2 Line, according to the 2027 Service Plan proposal:

  • More planned weekend closures with bus bridges replacing train service
  • Earlier service end times, shortening late-night availability
  • Single-tracking, which would keep first and last trips running but could cut train frequencies to every 20 or 30 minutes during maintenance windows

Sound Transit frames these as tradeoffs to "enhance system resiliency" and reduce unplanned disruptions. Keeping the system as-is remains an option, the proposal notes.

Route 560: shorter route, more buses

The biggest ST Express change directly affects Bellevue-to-airport riders. Sound Transit proposes truncating Route 560 at Burien, eliminating the segment to Westwood Village and West Seattle.

In exchange, the route would run every 20 minutes during weekday daytime hours and every 30 minutes on evenings and weekends, according to the proposal.

The truncation aligns Route 560's path with the planned Stride S1 Line, which is scheduled to replace the route in 2028.

Other Eastside route changes

The plan also proposes adjustments to routes serving Bellevue-area commuters:

  • Routes 532 and 535 would add a stop at the new I-405 & NE 85th Street freeway station in Kirkland, built for the future Stride S2 Line opening in 2029.
  • Route 545 would reroute in Redmond to serve Downtown Redmond Link station directly, replacing stops at Redmond Way & 166th Street with new stops one block south at the station.

No routes would be eliminated under the proposal.

Timeline and how to weigh in

Sound Transit's proposal targets finalization in October 2026, with changes taking effect in fall 2027.

Sound Transit will hold a virtual information session on Tuesday, July 21, at 6 p.m. A Spanish interpreter will be available, and other language assistance can be requested by emailing [email protected].

The online survey is available in seven languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Tagalog. It closes Monday, July 27.

Residents can access the survey and full proposal details at soundtransit.org/system-expansion/planning-future-service/2027-service-plan.