Mercer Island and Bellevue Businesses Expect Growth from Crosslake Connection
Introduction to the Crosslake Light Rail Connection
After years of anticipation, the Crosslake light rail connection is now operational, marking a significant milestone for transportation in the region. Businesses near the new stations are closely monitoring whether this improved access will lead to increased foot traffic and sales. The introduction of the light rail system has sparked both excitement and cautious optimism among local business owners.
Impact on Mercer Island
Mercer Island, home to one of the new connecting stations on the 2 Line, is experiencing a mix of reactions from its business community. Some owners believe that the island is typically self-contained commercially and do not expect dramatic changes. However, others see the new rail access as an opportunity to attract customers who might not usually visit the area.
Hap’s Burgers and Taps, located just a few minutes’ walk from the Mercer Island light rail station, reported a surge in business on the opening day. Owner Daniel Brawer noted a 50% increase compared to a typical day, which he attributed partly to good weather. Employees also mentioned that many customers appeared to be new faces rather than regular locals. Another nearby business also experienced a noticeable bump in activity.
Brawer expressed hope that the positive trend would continue, especially with the arrival of summertime, the World Cup, and the potential for a calmer situation regarding tariffs. He told KOMO News, “It seems like things are headed in the right direction.”
Mixed Reactions from Business Owners
Not all business owners are convinced that the early boost will last. One restaurant owner shared hopes for more business but remains unsure about long-term success. This owner also voiced concerns that the new connection could bring homeless or transient individuals into the downtown area near the light rail stop.
Optimism in Bellevue
Up the rail line at Bellevue’s Downtown light rail station, businesses within a seven-minute walk from the stop are optimistic about the future. Raj Dhrania, the new manager of The French Bakery cafe, expressed excitement after years of waiting for the connection between the two bordering cities.
Dhrania believes that with the Crosslake Connection, Bellevue has positioned itself as a “commuter hub,” leading to busier mornings for businesses during the week. He anticipates more foot traffic for his bakery and coffee shop. Saturday’s grand opening coincided with a 15% to 18% increase in sales, which he attributed partly to nice weather.
Nextdoor Signature Wild Wasabi also reports that the impact of the Crosslake connection is being felt by customers looking for restaurants on the east side. Bar Manager Jay Park mentioned that some customers talked about how they arrived via the light rail. He argues that the new connection helps address one of the biggest deterrents for people visiting Bellevue: parking issues.
Park added that the bar is looking forward to appealing to people in Seattle, the University of Washington, and beyond. “We’re definitely looking forward to – people still have a hard time knowing that we’re here, so all the exposure that we can get we’re very thankful for.”
Expansion of the Light Rail System
The cross-lake connection stretches 63 miles with stops at 50 stations. Service on both the 1 Line and 2 Line is scheduled to run from about 5 a.m. to midnight seven days a week. Trains are expected to stop approximately every eight minutes at peak times at the new stations, with off-peak service running every 10 to 15 minutes.
Between the Lynnwood City Center and International District-Chinatown stations, combined 1- and 2-Line headways are expected to mean trains arrive every four to five minutes.
