West Hill light-rail stations in Kent set to open Dec. 6, 2025, mayor says

Mayor Dana Ralph announced that two new light-rail stations on Kent's West Hill — Limes Road and Star Lake — are scheduled to open for service on Dec. 6, 2025. The mayor made the announcement during a city weekly update and said the city has been planning for the stations for more than a decade. "These stations will open for service, again, 12/06/2025," Ralph said.

The mayor said the stations include a "significant number" of parking stalls so residents can drive to the stations and board light rail for trips as far north as Lynnwood and into downtown Seattle, with future service to the East Side. She described the service as convenient and inexpensive and invited residents to try light rail once service starts.

Why it matters: The opening will add regional transit access for Kent residents and provide a new commuting option that connects the city to central Puget Sound destinations. The mayor framed the date as the culmination of more than 10 years of local planning and preparation.

Details from the update: Ralph said the announced opening date is the result of long-term planning by the city of Kent. She emphasized parking availability at the stations and noted the potential for riders to travel to Lynnwood, Downtown Seattle and, in the future, the East Side. The mayor encouraged people who have not used light rail to "definitely check it out." The mayor said there will be a big celebration when the stations open.

What the update did not include: The mayor did not provide a specific count of parking spaces, fare information, or an operational schedule. Funding sources and remaining construction milestones were not specified in the remarks.

Next steps: The mayor said the city will host a celebration around the opening; no additional formal actions or council votes were referenced in the update.