By The Seattle Medium
As of Aug. 29, riders across King County will begin to see one of King County Metro’s largest service expansions in recent years, including nine new bus routes and more than 3,000 additional bus trips each week.
Metro is boosting frequency and expanding service earlier in the morning, later in the evening and on weekends. These changes make transit more convenient, reliable and better connected to the region’s expanding Link light rail network.
“This marks the single largest bus service investment in South King County in a generation,” 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.”
This fall’s service change was shaped by public feedback, reducing duplication with light rail while improving connections where riders need them most.
Updated maps and schedules are online in English, Simplified Chinese, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Better South King County bus service
South King County will see the largest service improvements in Metro’s Aug. 29 service change, with more frequent trips, expanded service hours, new weekend service and stronger connections to Link light rail and RapidRide.
Metro Flex expanding in South King County Aug. 31
Metro also will pilot Metro Flex service in Auburn and Federal Way, providing on-demand rides that connect people with schools, transit hubs and other local destinations. Using the Metro Flex app, riders can book rides on accessible minivans, including wheelchair accessible vehicles and vans with bike racks, for the same fare as a Metro bus ride. Riders can download the app in the Apple App Store, Google Play Store or call 206-258-7739 to book a ride when service launches on Monday, Aug. 31.
Eastside connections to 2 Line stations
Eastside bus service improvements will connect communities from Bellevue to the Snoqualmie Valley with 2 Line stations and Link light rail service across Lake Washington. The changes add more frequent service, expand operating hours and improve connections throughout the Eastside transit network.
New North King County bus routes, changes, and Seattle upgrades
North King County riders also will receive stronger transit connections to new Link stations, along with improved east-west service informed by community feedback to better connect Lake City across I-5 to Aurora Avenue.
Route 8 in downtown Seattle will have more frequent service as part of Seattle Transit Measure investments. Buses will travel in the new Denny Way bus lanes scheduled to be installed this month.
Have questions? Metro to host online public information sessions
Riders can learn more about the upcoming service changes during Metro’s online information sessions.
To request language services or other accommodations, please contact community.relations@kingcounty.gov at least two weeks prior to the meeting.
- Eastside: noon, Wednesday, Aug. 19. Register online.
- North King County: 6 p.m., Monday, Aug. 24. Register online.
- South King County: 6 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 26. Register online. Spanish interpretation will be available.
