U Link Launch Day Fun

It’s time to celebrate the opening of University Link light rail! Join us at the new University of Washington and Capitol Hill stations for a day of fun, light rail rides, activities and entertainment for all ages. Be sure to share your launch day experience with us at #ULink2016.

 

Launch Day fun

U Link activities
We’re kicking off U Link service with a free community celebration March 19 from
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Stations and train rides open at 10 a.m.  Here’s a sample of what we have in store at each station:
  • Self-guided tours of University of Washington and Capitol Hill stations
  • A variety of live music, including instrumental, jazz, rock and hip-hop
  • Expo and game pavilions featuring activities, community booths, selfie stations and more
  • Food for purchase from your favorite local food trucks
  • Farmer’s market at Capitol Hill Station
  • Free commemorative items (while supplies last).
And much more!  See the full line-up >>


How to get there

There is no parking at either station. The best way to get to Launch Day is by transit,  bike or walking.
Take Transit. Plan your trip to University of Washington Station or Capitol Hill Station using Sound Transit’s regional trip planner. Free shuttle service will connect Northgate Transit Center and University of Washington Station during the event.
Ride a bike. Riding your bike is a great way to get to the event. Because we expect crowds on Launch Day, we will be offering staffed bike valet stations at both U Link Stations.  Bring a lock and park at the bike valet between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
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Park and ride. While there is no parking at the University of Washington or Capitol Hill stations, there is limited parking at Tukwila/International Blvd Station and at area transit centers/park-and-rides on a first come, first served basis.  Use Sound Transit’s regional trip planner to find bus connections to the event.
If you are parking at Tukwila/International Blvd Station, you can ride Link to the event after 10 a.m. The last Link train leaving University of Washington Station to Tukwila/International Blvd leaves at 12:34 a.m.
At Northgate Transit Center, King County Metro will offer a free shuttle departing every 15 minutes to University of Washington Station. Shuttles leave from the south end of the transit center on NE 100th Street; the last returning shuttle to Northgate leaves University of Washington Station at 6:10 p.m.
Try a rideshare. Uber and Lyft provide another option to getting to the stations. In celebration of Launch Day, Uber is offering direct uberHop routes from Greenlake, Wallingford, and U Village to University of Washington Station all weekend long. Get details and a promo code for a free trial at http://t.uber.com/ulinkhop

What to expect

Start your Launch Day experience at a Welcome Portal.  Sound Transit ambassadors will be there to help plan your self-guided tour and provide information about Launch Day and light rail service.  Ambassadors in teal vests will also be available throughout the event to answer any questions that may arise during your visit.
Expect crowds.  The opening of U Link is a special occasion, and we expect crowds.  Staff will be on hand to make sure wait times are kept as low as possible.  Please listen to directions from staff and plan to spend some time in line.
Trains will run on regular Saturday schedule starting at 10 a.m. on Launch Day. Trains arrive at the stations every 10 minutes.  The last train leaves University of Washington Station at 12:34 a.m. More information about Link service can be found on the How to ride page.
There is no parking at the stations. The best way to get to Launch Day is by transit, bike or walking.  See above for more information on getting to the event.
Your safety is important to us. For your security, Sound Transit Police, Seattle Police and UW Police will be at the event and surrounding areas. Please follow all directions from officers, Sound Transit ambassadors and event staff to ensure Launch Day is safe and fun for everyone.
Lost and Found inquiries can be directed to any Welcome Portal until 5 p.m. on Launch Day. To recover lost items after the event, please contact Lost and Found.
We care about your comfort. All stations and trains are accessible. Portable restrooms, a rest area and food and beverages will be available for purchase at both U Link stations. Many areas will be covered, but please plan for inclement weather and dress in layers.