Switch Your Trips to Win, Save, and More

Tag: light rail

Have you tried to Switch Your Trips yet? Changing just a few driving trips a month can help you save money, reduce stress, get more active, and spend less time behind the wheel. And this October, it can also help you win!

Log at least 10 qualifying trips during October and you’ll be entered for a chance to win prizes from Switch Your Trips Washington. Prizes include a $1,500 grand prize, a $500 prize, and more, as well as ten $100 Visa gift cards from Go Redmond. Trips must be logged by November 7. Go Redmond winners will be contacted by November 16.

Save More, Stress Less

Gas, parking costs, car insurance, vehicle maintenance—it all adds up. Carpooling, vanpooling, and transit can help reduce transportation costs while giving you a break from navigating traffic every day.

Imagine arriving at work after spending your commute reading, listening to a podcast, catching up on emails, or simply relaxing instead of watching brake lights.

Looking for a carpool or vanpool to join? Go Redmond can help you find a match! Just follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your Go Redmond account
  2. Click on “Ride Match”
  3. Select “My Trips”
  4. Enter your home and work destinations
  5. Click on “Find Matches”

Your personal information is not shared with other users, but you can use the Go Redmond system to send a message to any matches you are interested in contacting.

Get Moving

Not every workout needs to happen at the gym. You can build movement into your daily routine by walking, biking, and rolling. These modes also reduce emissions and traffic congestion.

Even if your workplace is too far away to walk or bike the entire distance, consider combining active transportation with transit. Walk to a bus stop, bike to a transit center, or park farther away and enjoy part of your trip on foot.

Use the resources available on Go Redmond to find the transportation mode that works best for you.

What would your daily life look like if driving wasn’t an option? Week Without Driving, October 1st–8th, 2026, invites people to consider that question by experiencing their community without relying on a personal vehicle. The annual initiative highlights the experiences of people who don’t drive, including seniors, people with disabilities, young people and people who cannot afford the cost of driving.

In Redmond, Week Without Driving is an opportunity to try walking, biking, taking transit, scooting, carpooling or another way of getting around. Even if you can’t avoid driving for every trip, trying a different transportation option can help you discover new ways to get around help to identify where improvements could make non-driving trips easier and more accessible.

Join Move Redmond

Move Redmond is hosting two community Walk & Talk events during Week Without Driving.

October 2nd–Marymoor Walk & Talk: Meet at Marymoor Village Station at 1 p.m., with the walk beginning at 1:30 p.m. The approximately one-mile walk will explore pedestrian safety and wayfinding around Marymoor Village, including opportunities for quick-build safety improvements. The walk will end at Qamaria Yemeni Coffee for conversation and reflection. Register here.

October 8th–Downtown Redmond Walk & Talk: Meet at Downtown Park at 5 p.m., with the walk beginning at 5:30 p.m. Participants will walk approximately one mile along 161st and 85th Street, sharing experiences and feedback about walking and biking infrastructure and upcoming safety projects. The event will wrap up at Move Redmond’s office with snacks and drinks. Register here.

Join the Week Without Driving challenge and discover what’s possible when you explore Redmond without driving.

What if changing just a few driving trips a month could help you save money, reduce stress, get more active, or spend less time behind the wheel?

That’s exactly what Switch Your Trips is all about.

Beginning October 1, commuters across Washington are challenged to switch drive-alone trips for sustainable alternatives like transit, carpooling, vanpooling, biking, walking, rolling, or a combination of modes.

Log at least 10 qualifying trips during October and you’ll be entered for a chance to win prizes from Switch Your Trips Washington. Prizes include a $1,500 grand prize, a $500 prize, and more, as well as ten $100 Visa gift cards from Go Redmond. Trips must be logged by November 7. Go Redmond winners will be contacted by November 16.

Whether you’re ready to make a big change or simply try something new once a week, this is a great opportunity to explore your transportation options.

Log Your Trips

Find a Carpool or Vanpool

Looking for a carpool or vanpool to join? Go Redmond can help you find a match! Just follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your Go Redmond account
  2. Click on “Ride Match”
  3. Select “My Trips”
  4. Enter your home and work destinations
  5. Click on “Find Matches”

Your personal information is not shared with other users, but you can use the Go Redmond system to send a message to any matches you are interested in contacting.

Plan Your Transit Trip and Give It a Try

Riding transit is easier than ever! Use Metro’s or Sound Transit’s trip planning tools (or Google Maps) to find the nearest bus stop or light rail station and best schedule for your day.

You can now Tap to Pay for transit across the region! Simply tap your ORCA, credit or debit card, or use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay on your phone or smart device before you board.

How to Get an ORCA Card

ORCA cards can be purchased at ticket machines at Downtown Redmond, Marymoor Village and Overlake Village light rail stations. You can also create an online account or download an app to order or add value to a card, or pick one up at a store, vending machine or customer service location. Learn more about ORCA cards.

More frequent service, expanded operating hours, and improved connections throughout the Eastside.

Improvements specific to the eastside will connect communities from Bellevue to Snoqualmie Valley with 2 Line stations and link light rail service across Lake Washington.

  • New Route 215: Providing an all week connection between North Bend, Snoqualmie, Issaquah and Mercer Island Station.
  • New Routes 220 and 270 will replace Route 271: Improving speed and reliability between Eastgate, downtown Bellevue and the U-District.
  • Revised Routes 111, 218, and 269: Running more frequently and connecting riders to the 2 Line at South Bellevue or Mercer Island stations.
  • Routes 11 (between Renton and South Bellevue Stations) and 269 (between Sammamish and Mercer Island Station): Expanding to all day, all week service, with earlier morning trips, later evening service and more frequent buses.

For Fall Service Change information specific to North and South King County, visit the King County Metro Blog.

Two commuters carpooling to work

Summer is winding down, school is back in session, and it’s the perfect time to Reboot Your Commute by using alternative transportation modes to get to and from work.

Log 10 walk, bike, transit, carpool or vanpool commute trips this month and be entered to win one of five $100 Visa gift cards from Go Redmond.

Trips must take place between September 1 and 30 and must be logged on your Go Redmond calendar by October 7 to qualify.

Log Your Trips

Find a Carpool or Vanpool

Looking for a carpool or vanpool to join? Go Redmond can help you find a match! Within your Go Redmond account, under “Ride Match,” select “My Trips,” enter your home and work destinations, and click on “Find Matches.” Your personal information is not shared with other users, but you can use the Go Redmond system to send a message to any matches.

Plan Your Transit Trip and Give It a Try

Riding transit is easier than ever! Use Metro’s or Sound Transit’s trip planning tools (or Google Maps) to find the nearest bus stop or light rail station and best schedule for your day.

You can now Tap to Pay for transit across the region! Simply tap your ORCA, credit or debit card, or use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay on your phone or smart device before you board.

How to Get an ORCA Card

ORCA cards can be purchased at ticket machines at Downtown Redmond, Marymoor Village and Overlake Village light rail stations. You can also create an online account or download an app to order or add value to a card, or pick one up at a store, vending machine or customer service location. Learn more about ORCA cards.

This summer, Go Redmond is encouraging residents of all ages to discover how fun and rewarding it can be to get around Redmond without driving. Whether you’re hopping on light rail to visit Marymoor Park, walking to grab coffee, taking a Lime Scooter to the Saturday Market, or taking the bus to a community event, every car-free trip can help you earn rewards through the new Go Redmond Car-Free Summer Challenge.

The challenge features bingo cards for both adults and kids filled with simple activities designed to help you explore local destinations while reducing traffic and greenhouse gas emissions. Participants can check off squares by trying activities like:

  • Taking light rail or the bus to a sporting event
  • Walking or biking to a park or workout class
  • Combining errands into one car-free trip
  • Trying a “no driving day”
  • Exploring a new trail or walking route
  • Using RedLink, Redmond’s free electric shuttle

Completed car free summer bingo cards can be submitted by bringing them to Redmond City Hall or by emailing a photo to goredmond@redmond.gov by September 1 to earn prizes.

Where to Get Your Car Free Summer Bingo Cards

Printed bingo cards are available at:

  • Redmond City Hall
  • Redmond Senior & Community Center
  • Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village

You can also print your own bingo cards here:

2026_CarFreeSummerChallenge_BingoCard_Adults_8.5×11Download
2026_CarFreeSummerChallenge_BingoCard_Kids_8.5×11Download

How to Go Car Free to Popular Summer Destinations

Redmond Summer DestinationsTransit Routes and Trail Connections
Marymoor Park & Concert VenueBus Routes 542, 223
Light Rail (Marymoor Village Station),
Sammamish River Trail & East Lake Sammamish Trail
Idylwood Park & Swim BeachBus Routes 222, 221
East Lake Sammamish Trail
Grass Lawn Community ParkBus Routes B Line, 245, 225, 223
Perrigo Community ParkBus Route 224
Esterra Park (Overlake)Bus Routes BLine, 223, 245, 249,545
Light Rail (Overlake Village Station),
Redmond Library & Redmond City Hall CampusBus Routes B Line, 221, 222, 250
Sammamish River Trail
RedLink
Redmond Senior & Community CenterBus Routes 222, 250 S
Sammamish River Trail
RedLink
Redmond Community Center at Marymoor VillageBus Routes 542, 223
Light Rail (Marymoor Village Station)
Sammamish River Trail and Marymoor Connector trail
Downtown ParkBus Routes B Line, 222, 250
Light Rail (Downtown Redmond Station)
Redmond Central Connector
RedLink
Redmond Town CenterBus Routes B Line, 250
Light Rail (Downtown Redmond Station)
Redmond Central Connector
RedLink
Bear Creek Village (Safeway, Panera, Agave Cantina, Yummy Teriyaki, Apna Bazaar)Bus Routes 250, 224
RedLink
Redmond Center (Trader Joe’s, Ben Franklin, Club Pilates, QFC, 028 Barber Shop, Soulfood Coffee)Bus Routes B Line, 250
Redmond Central Connector
RedLink

Go Redmond is committed to helping people drive less by making sustainable transportation fun and accessible. In addition to helping reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, walking, biking, and transit can help residents save money, stay active, and experience the community in a new way.

This summer, challenge yourself to leave the car behind and see where your next trip takes you!

A bus approaches a light rail station

Riding light rail is an easy, efficient way to get around the region—whether you’re commuting to work, heading into Seattle, or exploring nearby neighborhoods. To get started, purchase an ORCA card, which allows you to tap and ride seamlessly across buses, trains, and other transit services. Be sure to tap your card before boarding and keep proof of payment with you during your trip.

Light rail trains run on a regular schedule, with clear signage and digital displays showing arrival times. Trains run every 8 minutes in Redmond!

If your trip involves transferring from a bus, the process is easy! Many bus routes connect directly to Redmond light rail stations, and using an ORCA card ensures your fare transfers automatically within a two-hour window, no need to pay twice. Pay attention to posted schedules or use transit apps to time your connections smoothly.

If you plan to drive to the light rail, park & ride facilities are available at the Marymoor Station and the Redmond Technology Station. These lots can fill up quickly during peak hours, so arriving early or considering alternative transportation (like biking, walking, Lime scooters, or Redlink) can help.

Trip planning is simple with tools like the Sound Transit Trip Planner or Google Maps. Enter your starting point and destination to get step-by-step directions, including walking routes, transfers, and travel times.

With a little preparation, riding light rail in Redmond can be a fast, reliable, and stress-free way to travel.

2 Line light rail train at station

During the month of April, ride light rail to win a free lunch!

Each light rail trip logged on Go Redmond will be entered into a drawing for one of several $50 gift cards to Mendocino Farms, Stone Korean, or Jack Sprat, Redmond restaurants easily accessible from the 2 Line.

Commute AND personal trips count, so this is a perfect opportunity to try using light rail to get to work or that dinner or retail spot you’ve been meaning to check out.

Log Your Trips

Plan Your Trip and Give It a Try

Riding light rail is easier than ever! Use Sound Transit’s trip planning tool (or Google Maps) to find the nearest station and best schedule for your day.

With trains arriving at the station every 8 minutes, you don’t always need to check a schedule but you can check for 2 Line updates and alerts.

You can now Tap to Pay for transit across the region! Simply tap your ORCA, credit or debit card, or use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay on your phone or smart device before you board.

How to Get an ORCA Card

ORCA cards can be purchased at ticket machines at Downtown Redmond, Marymoor Village and Overlake Village light rail stations. You can also create an online account or download an app to order or add value to a card, or pick one up at a store, vending machine or customer service location. Learn more about ORCA cards.

Marymoor Village Park and Ride garage for light rail

Whether you’re going to a World Cup game in Seattle or headed to a meeting in Bellevue, you may be wondering where to park to take Link Light Rail. With Redmond’s four new light rail stations in Downtown, Marymoor, and Overlake there are options to park to catch the train.

Park and Rides have parking available on a first come, first served basis.  Park and Rides near the Light Rail stations include these, please note that the Downtown Station and Overlake Village Station have parking within a 1/2 mile of the station, but not at the station like Marymoor Village and Overlake Technology Station.

Don’t want to hassle with parking? Connect to the station with Lime Scooters, the free Redmond RedLink shuttle, bike or walk.

Parking at the Downtown Redmond Light Rail Station

Redmond Transit Center Park and Ride (Downtown)

  • NOTE: The 83rd street Transit Center is a 10 minute walk (.5 mile) to the Downtown Redmond Station. Lime Scooters/Bikes or the RedLink Shuttle can also help make the connection to the station.
  • 377 parking spaces
  • Limited, on-street parking is available around the station. On-street spaces have a 2-hour time limit, Monday thru Saturday 9am to 9pm
  • Paid, hourly parking in private garages may be available around the station, individual rates and rules apply
  • No light rail parking is allowed at the Redmond Town Center. Parking is strictly enforced.

Parking at the Marymoor Village Light Rail Station

Marymoor Village Station: 17520 NE 70th St, Redmond, WA 98052

  • 1,403 parking spaces, 31 ADA stalls
  • Bike racks
  • 20 individual BikeLink lockers, available on demand
  • Limited, on-street parking is available around the station. On-street spaces have a 2-hour time limit, Monday thru Saturday 9am to 9pm

Parking at the Redmond Technology Light Rail Station (Overlake)

Redmond Technology Station (Overlake): 15590 NE 40th St, Redmond 15590 NE 36th St, Redmond, WA 98052

  • 323 parking spaces
  • 44 covered bicycle spaces

Parking at the Overlake Village Light Rail Station:

Overlake Village Park and Ride: 2560 152nd Ave NE, Redmond

  • NOTE: This Park & Ride is a 9 minute walk (.4 miles) from the Village at Overlake Station
  • 203 parking spaces
  • Covered bike racks
  • Limited, on-street parking is available around the station. On-street spaces have a 2-hour time limit, Monday thru Saturday 9am to 9pm

Visiting Redmond on light rail?  Check out these destinations that are a short walk or bike ride from the station. After all, light rail & local businesses make for a great combination!

Marymoor Village:

Redmond’s newest urban center with eclectic and artistic developments and quick access to Marymoor Park and regional trails.

Post Doc Brewery is next to Marymoor Park and often has food trucks.
  • Marymoor Park: Massive 640-acre park with trails, sports fields, a huge off-leash dog area, rock climbing, birdwatching, scenic paths, and events like Marymoor Live summer concerts nearby.
  • Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village: Check out their fitness classes, kids & teen activities, and events for all ages like the community sing along.
  • Postdoc Brewing Redmond:  Highly rated brewery with rotating taps and seasonal brews, and usually a food truck or two.
  • Pomegranate Bistro: Casual American dining and bar.
  • Izakaya Supa Banana: Fun Japanese gastropub style.
  • Maki Stand Roll & Bento: Quick sushi & bento options.
  • Stone Korean: One of Redmond’s favorite Korean restaurants.

Overlake Village Station:

This station serves a vibrant mixed-use area near big tech offices and a growing shopping and dining district.

Esterra Park, where Pizza Poggio’s kiosk is located in the park!
  • Esterra Park: Bring your lunch to people watch and enjoy this new public space.  A perfect lawn for throwing a frisbee or read your book in the patio chairs.  
  • Jack Sprat Café: Grab a coffee or sandwich
  • Pizza Poggio: Parkside pizza by the slice or a full pie in Esterra Park
  • Shaburina Shabu Shabu HotPot: All you can eat hot pot in Redmond

Downtown Redmond Station:

Visit the heart of Redmond and experience a mix of historic buildings and new developments connected by parks and trails.

Coastline Burgers is a new restaurant in a historic building.
  • Redmond Central Connector Park: Urban green linear park and trail great for a quick walk or bike ride.
  • Downtown Redmond Park catch a frisbee or a performance on the stage.  Public restrooms available.
  • Victor’s Coffee: Local favorite coffee shop.
  • Brick & Mortar Books: Independent bookstore worth exploring.
  • K‑Street K‑BBQ: Korean BBQ centrally located in the Redmond Town Center
  • Coastline Burgers: burgers, fries, and shakes right on the edge of Downtown Park
  • Woodblock: Cocktails & New American eats across from the Downtown Park
  • Momiji: Stylish Japanese & sushi.
  • Doppio Cafe and Creperie: Coffee & crepes.
  • Matador Redmond / Redmond’s Bar & Grill: Classic Redmond dining.
  • Mendocino Farms: Casual sandwich & salad restaurant.
  • Salt & Straw and Molly Moons Ice Cream: both within walking distance of the station

Check out Experience Redmond for more local businesses