King County Metro riders are seeing expanded transit service across the county following an Aug. 29 service change that added nine bus routes and more than 3,000 bus trips each week, with South King County receiving the largest share of the improvements.
The expansion, one of Metro’s largest service increases in recent years, includes more frequent buses, earlier morning and later evening service, additional weekend trips and new connections to the region’s expanding Link light rail network.
South King County received the most significant increase in bus service, according to county officials, with additional trips and expanded service hours designed to improve connections to Link light rail and RapidRide.
“This marks the single largest bus service investment in South King County in a generation,” King County Executive Girmay Zahilay said. “These improvements mean shorter waits, stronger connections and more opportunities for people to get where they need to go whether that’s work, school childcare or home. Better transit helps build stronger communities in King County.”
Metro said the fall service changes were developed in part through public feedback and are intended to reduce duplication between bus and light rail service while improving connections between the two systems.
The expansion also includes a Metro Flex pilot in Auburn and Federal Way that launched Aug. 31. The on-demand service allows riders to book trips connecting them with schools, transit hubs and other destinations within designated service areas.
Metro Flex uses accessible minivans, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and vans equipped with bike racks. Rides cost the same fare as a Metro bus trip and can be booked through the Metro Flex mobile app or by calling 206-258-7739.
Eastside riders are also seeing changes intended to improve connections between communities stretching from Bellevue to the Snoqualmie Valley and 2 Line light rail stations. Those improvements include more frequent bus service, longer operating hours and additional connections to Link service across Lake Washington.
In North King County, Metro introduced new routes and other service changes designed to connect riders with new Link stations and strengthen east-west transit service. Changes informed by community feedback are also intended to improve connections between Lake City, Interstate 5 and Aurora Avenue.
Seattle riders will see more frequent service on Route 8 through investments from the Seattle Transit Measure. Route 8 buses are also expected to use new bus lanes on Denny Way scheduled for installation in September.
The service expansion comes as Metro adjusts its bus network around the continued growth of regional light rail, shifting some service away from routes that duplicate Link while adding or increasing bus connections intended to help riders reach rail stations.
Riders can find information about Metro’s fall service changes, including individual route changes, schedules and Metro Flex, at kingcounty.gov/metro.
