College celebrates launch of light rail

Capitol Hill welcomes the long-awaited light rail extension that will make commuting simpler for students and employees. 

Last month, Sound Transit organized a celebration at the new Capitol Hill station to introduce the University Link light rail extension to the community.

A contingent of students, faculty and staff from Seattle Central boarded the first ride, which traveled from the University of Washington station. After the train pulled into Capitol Hill station, a brief ceremony was held on the platform, where Mayor Ed Murray pulled the ceremonial cord that officially “turned on” the new station. After brief remarks by the mayor, Interim President Sheila Edwards Lange, Ph.D., addressed the large crowd. Dr. Edwards Lange also helped King County Executive Dow Constantine and the mayor cut the ribbon that officially opened the new station to the public.

After the ceremonies, Seattle Central’s outreach team staffed a booth at a community fair attended by thousands of community members. Additionally, the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce distributed magnetic mementos, crafted by Wood Technology students, from the red wall that once surrounded the light rail construction site.