Community celebrates new local light rail stations
Published 9:43 am Wednesday, December 10, 2025
The light rail stations in Kent-Des Moines, Star Lake and Federal Way are officially open as of Dec. 6.
The new stops on the 1 Line train add almost 8 miles to the route and is the fifth light rail extension in the past three years.
The new stations also feature new or increased free parking garages and transit oriented development projects that focus on affordable housing and community needs.
“The future of our region relies on safe and reliable public transportation,” said King County Executive and Sound Transit Board Member Girmay Zahilay in a press release. “We are entering a monumental phase as the Federal Way Link Extension opens and the 2-line across Lake Washington nears completion in 2026. Communities that have felt cut off from our region’s transit systems will be connected to key areas like Downtown Seattle, Downtown Bellevue, and Sea-Tac International Airport. These new stations in Federal Way, Kent and Des Moines represent an increase in rapid transit for those in South King County.”
Trains run every 8 to 15 minutes, 5 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. One-way adult fares are $3. Day passes are twice the one-way fare and are valid for travel only on the date purchased.
There are also a variety of lower cost options, such as ORCA LIFT and senior/disabled fairs, which after qualifying due to age, income or disability status, provide rides for $1 for low-income riders. Youth under age 18 ride free on all Sound Transit services.
The station openings on Saturday were celebrated with events at each station, a morning ribbon cutting, speeches, performances, food trucks and a wide range of community activities.
Federal Way’s event was coordinated and hosted by the Federal Way Black Collective.
Organizers estimate that a few thousand attendees came through the celebration throughout the day.
“Folks traveled from across the region and even out of state just to experience the new light rail. One gentleman even rode his bike all the way from Seattle so he could hop on the train, and he planned to ride it back home,” Taniesha Lyons-Casillas told the Mirror, adding that “it was truly a fun community moment.”
Attendees got to enjoy performances hosted by emcees David Jackson of Reign to Shine Entertainment and Bianca Mouton. Performers included Nevaeh Wright, Heal the Poetic Soul, Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center (T.U.P.A.C.), Plant Deed Wellness, Kingpin X and Federal Way’s signature Phenomenal She Dance Team.
Nonprofits, vendors and artists had booths throughout the closed off streets, with a variety of local and regional groups represented.
For information about the new stations, including how to ride, visit www.soundtransit.org/southkinglink.
