After the Ribbon is Cut
By Kelli Refer
I first started working for Move Redmond in the Fall of 2020. On my first day, then ED Kirk Hovenkotter, and I rode bicycles around town. He pointed out places where future projects would be. I lost my bearings more than once. I huffed and puffed up the 520 trail to Overlake, where he pointed out future bridges that would connect to light rail. It all seemed like a distant fantasy.
Fast forward to 2026, in the morning en route to work, I just missed the 542 but I decided to hop on the 271 to Bellevue and take the 2 line to Downtown Redmond. Having this option allowed me to keep moving as I made it to Downtown Redmond in just a few minutes longer than I would have waited for the next 542. That evening I decided to go to the Eastside Urbanism meet up at Jack Sprat cafe. I strolled over to the train and headed to Overlake Village. It was a lovely evening of connection with smart, thoughtful people and delicious food. When it was time to head home I hopped on a Lime glider to roll across the Overlake pedestrian bridge to easily make the next 542 home. Without the lime ride I would have missed my bus which would have caused me to wait an additional 30 minutes to get home and miss my daughter’s bedtime.
From the Lime ride, to the light rail, today’s journey would have been impossible back in 2020. This is a pretty ordinary transportation story and in some ways that is the point. All of these new options gave me more flexibility in how I get around on a day to day basis. That is the impact of investing in our transit systems. It erases barriers and gives people flexibility and time.
The improvements to Redmond’s transportation system are not done yet. We all know the I-90 light rail crossing this Spring will be revolutionary for the region, and we cannot wait! Other meaningful improvements are happening this year, too! Like new bike lanes on Bel-red and a connector shuttle to help bridge that pesky last mile gap from light rail will come online in Downtown Redmond.
On February 3, Redmond City Council is slated to pass their Transportation Master Plan. This document paves the way for safer streets, shared streets and a more connected community. Testify at the Redmond City Council meeting on February 3rd, to share your story on what these transit investments mean to you!
Beyond the ribbon cuttings and opening celebrations, these investments change lives. Not always in a grandiose way, but in a way that gives people options. It can make their life easier and get them home in time for bedtime.
