Federal Way Link Extension to open with two Kent stations in December 2025, official says

Dana Routh, a city staff member, said in a weekly update that Sound Transit announced the upcoming opening of the Federal Way Link Extension and that service is expected to begin in December 2025. Routh said the extension "will bring 2 light rail stations to Kent" and named Kent Des Moines Road and Star Lake as the station locations along Pacific Highway.

The announcement came as part of a city weekly update that touched on multiple local items. Routh said, "we are really excited to see this service starting in December. So we've, been anxiously awaiting this" and added that the extension "is going to make such a difference to our residents and connect them to the rest of the region with a public transit option."

Why it matters: the Federal Way Link Extension will add a regional transit connection through Kent, creating a new light-rail option for residents traveling south and north along the corridor. Routh said the city will provide further details as Sound Transit releases schedules and service information.

Details provided in the update were limited to the expected start month and the two station names. Routh said officials will "stay tuned, we'll provide all of those details," indicating additional operational information (timetables, fares, parking or drop-off plans) was not offered in the update. The city update did not include votes, funding breakdowns, permit approvals or project contingency information.

Discussion versus decision: the remarks in the weekly update were an announcement of a regional agency's schedule and not a City Council action. No motion, ordinance, contract award or formal city direction was recorded in the update about the extension.

Community context: the extension is a Sound Transit project; the city update framed the announcement as a regional transit improvement expected to affect Kent residents' commute options. The update did not specify any city responsibilities, required permits, or local construction timelines tied to the Kent stations.