Seattle, King County Metro is set to launch its latest RapidRide line, the G Line, this Saturday. This new route promises to enhance transit service along Madison Street, boasting some of the most robust speed and reliability features seen in Puget Sound.
After over a decade of planning and development, the G Line represents the eighth addition to Metro’s RapidRide network. Spanning 2.8 miles with dedicated bus lanes in the most congested areas, including Downtown and First Hill, the G Line aims to streamline travel and reduce wait times for riders. With its unique design, featuring buses equipped with doors on both sides—similar to light rail vehicles—passengers will board from median islands in the center of the street, a first for the region.
The launch of the G Line has been met with anticipation, as it promises to significantly cut trip times to an estimated 14 to 16 minutes from First Avenue to Madison Valley. In contrast, current bus trips on this corridor can take 20 to 30 minutes, often requiring transfers. Moreover, the G Line will operate with increased frequency, with buses arriving every six minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes in the evenings and on Sundays.
This ambitious project, which cost $144 million, was partially funded by $80.5 million in federal grants and $35.8 million from Sound Transit, marking it as the first project to be delivered under the Sound Transit 3 initiative approved by voters in 2016. The Levy to Move Seattle also contributed nearly $20 million to the project.
In addition to its speed and frequency, the G Line incorporates several accessibility enhancements. Elevated bus stops allow riders to board level with the vehicles, and quick-deploying ramps are available for wheelchair users. Cyclists can conveniently roll their bikes onto the buses, eliminating the need for exterior racks.
The G Line also revitalizes transit access to key areas like Colman Dock and the Pier 50 fast ferry terminal, easing connections for passengers without requiring them to navigate steep inclines. Alongside the 21 new stations, the project included extensive infrastructure improvements, such as sidewalk replacements, upgraded traffic signals, and the installation of durable concrete to support frequent bus service.
