Mountlake Terrace Transit Center

Ever wonder how a transit center can become the heart of a community? Look around us at the Mountlake Terrace Transit Center. This isn’t just a place to catch a bus or the light rail. It’s a testament to Mountlake Terrace’s vision for the future. The Mountlake Terrace Transit Center started modestly. In 1983, it was a 400-stall park and ride lot. Over time, it expanded, reflecting the growing needs of the community. A parking garage, adorned with student-created glass art and solar panels, opened in 2009. The Mountlake Terrace Transit Center became more than just parking. It evolved into a true transit hub. In 2011, a freeway flyer stop opened, further connecting Mountlake Terrace to the wider region. This stop was a key step towards the eventual arrival of light rail, a dream envisioned as early as 1996. This forward-thinking approach paid off. When Sound Transit approved the Lynnwood Link Extension in 2015, Mountlake Terrace Transit Center was ready. The light rail station opened in August 2024, marking a new chapter in the center’s story. The Mountlake Terrace Transit Center isn’t just about transport. It is catalyzing growth and development around it. The former Evergreen Elementary School site is being transformed into apartments and retail spaces. Plans for a town center and a plaza with a pedestrian path through Veterans Memorial Park are also underway. This is transit-oriented development in action, creating a vibrant hub where people can live, work, and connect. The Mountlake Terrace Transit Center is more than a place to park or catch a ride. It is a symbol of Mountlake Terrace’s commitment to connectivity, sustainability, and community growth.