Thirteen was the lucky number for Sound Transit as they officially opened the SeaTac/Airport light-rail station, the 13th light-rail stop connecting SeaTac to downtown Seattle at 10 a.m. on Dec 19.

“Five years ago we came to this airport to announce an historic agreement between Sound Transit and the Port of Seattle,” Seattle Mayor and Sound Transit Board Chairman Greg Nickels said. “We promised that we would have a link running to the airport by the end of 2009 and as of 10 o'clock we will have kept that promise.”

Nichols said he is glad to see the station open in time for people flying in for the Olympic Games in Vancouver, B.C., which begin in February.

“With more than 30 million passengers through Sea-Tac every year, and 15,000 airport employees, we anticipate light rail will be a welcome 'green' alternative for travel to and from the airport,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner John Creighton. “Using light rail will reduce air emissions and traffic congestion. It’s good for the airport and it’s good for our region.”

King County Councilwoman and Sound Transit board member Julia Patterson said the light rail line will be very significant for the economy of south King County.

“This connection and this new SeaTac station is gateway of economic growth, Patterson, a SeaTac resident, said. “Starting today we just improved the transit options for thousands of people who are commuting from south King County into Seattle,” Patterson said.

Patterson said she grew up ten blocks from where the airport is now.

“When I was ten years old, I used my horse along (Pac Highway). It didn't look anything like this, but is so amazing to be standing here now so many years later and realize that we now have light rail all the way to the airport,” Patterson said.