With funding approved by voters through the Seattle Transportation Levy and the Seattle Transit Measure, improvements are being made to ensure smoother bus operations during the Revive I-5 project and other summer construction activities, ultimately enhancing the city’s transit network and keeping commuters moving.
The introduction of all-day bus-only lanes is set to boost frequency and reliability on Metro’s busiest route, the RapidRide E Line, which serves nearly 14,000 riders each day.
These enhancements are part of broader initiatives funded by the Seattle Transit Measure, which include increased bus service frequency, distribution of free ORCA cards to over 10,000 residents of the Seattle Housing Authority, and organizing field trips for seniors to help them navigate their transit options.
The new bus lanes are perfectly timed for commuters to explore bus travel, especially with anticipated congestion on Aurora Ave N due to the Revive I-5 lane closures beginning on July 18. This upgraded service aims to offer a smoother and more dependable commuting experience, moving towards a system where buses arrive every 5 to 15 minutes without the need for a schedule.
Key project highlights include:
– Installation of over 600 new traffic and no parking signs.
– Addition of new red pavement markings to designate bus-only areas northbound of the Aurora Bridge, aligning with existing southbound lanes.
– Allowing drivers and delivery vehicles to use the bus-only lane for right turns or accessing local businesses.
– Relocation of on-street parking and loading to side streets, with a few exceptions indicated by signage.
– Upcoming updates include refreshed curb paint at 28 bus zones between N 38th St and N 115th St.
City planners envision a future where riders can rely on frequent bus service without needing to check schedules, knowing that buses will arrive every few minutes.
