Exploring the Eastside Using the New “Transit on the Eastside” Map

Are you getting excited about the upcoming East Link Extension? Are you interested in learning more about the existing transit service already available on the Eastside? If you answered yes to either of those questions, you should check out the new interactive map commissioned by Move Redmond!

The map, which you can find here, is a valuable resource that can not only help you plan your trips and take advantage of the transit service already available along the Eastside but also give you a sneak peek of how your trip might change with the East Link Extension, because you can see its routing right on the map!

A suite of bus route changes are likely to occur once the full East Link line to Seattle is open in 2025. Called “East Link Connections,” you can check out those here .

In the meantime, the map above shows the current routing and frequency level of almost every Eastside bus route from as far north as Bothell all the way to Newcastle in the south to Sammamish in the East. It includes the eight Eastside stations that will be part of the East Link Extension, from Mercer Island and South Bellevue through downtown Bellevue and the Bel-Red area to the Redmond Technology Station (note that only South Bellevue eastward will be open in 2024, and the rest of the stops in 2025).

The map is also a great way to discover new places, find the best route or station for your destination, and plan your trip accordingly. Whether you are a Bellevue resident or a visitor, the map can help you explore the Eastside and beyond. The map’s legend allows you to browse the map by schools, universities/colleges, hospitals, libraries, secure bike parking and other landmarks. For each light rail station or transit hub, you can see the nearby amenities and attractions that you can visit with a short walk, bike ride, or bus ride. For example, you can see that the Bellevue Transit Center is close to the library, Kaiser Permanente and Overlake Hospital, Bellevue Botanical Garden, and Bellevue High School. You can also see that the South Bellevue Light Rail Station is a close walk to Mercer Slough Nature Park. 

Looking to Try Transit out? Choose Your Way Bellevue’s Try Transit offer is here to help! If you haven’t ridden transit three times in the last three months, fill out this form and we’ll send you an ORCA card preloaded with $25. Once you start riding (or if you already do) don’t forget to log your trips and begin earning rewards with our Choose Your Way Bellevue Rewards program!

What are you waiting for? Check out the map and start planning your next adventure. You might be surprised by what you can find and do with already existing transit. Happy exploring!

-Choose Your Way staffer Jake