King County Metro will expand bus service across the county starting Aug. 29, with some of the largest improvements planned for South King County, according to Metro.
The service change includes nine new routes, more than 3,000 additional weekly bus trips and stronger connections to new Sound Transit Link light rail stations.
Metro also will launch Metro Flex, an on demand transit service, in Auburn and Federal Way beginning Aug. 31.
Regional changes include new Route 164, which will provide frequent service between Des Moines, Kent and Auburn, replacing some of the deleted Route 165. New Route 166 will provide peak frequent service between Burien and Kent Des Moines Station, also replacing some of the deleted Route 165o.
“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 changes were shaped by rider feedback and are intended to reduce duplication with light rail while improving bus connections. The agency said riders can expect more frequent service, earlier morning trips, later evening service and more weekend service on several routes.
South King County highlights include added trips on Route 156 to increase frequency and run earlier on weekends, added weekday peak trips on Route 168 to provide 15-minute service, extended hours to midnight and increased weekday frequency on Route 181, expanded weekday and weekend service on Route 182, extended Saturday hours and new Sunday service on Route 183, earlier and later trips on Route 187 and new weekend service on Route 631.
RapidRide A Line will increase overnight frequency to every 30 minutes, according to Metro. Route 903 will increase span and frequency and connect with Route 902, while Route 987 southbound will extend to Westwood Village.
Metro Flex in Auburn and Federal Way will allow riders to book rides on accessible minivans, including wheelchair accessible vehicles and vans with bike racks, for the same fare as a Metro bus ride, according to Metro. Riders can book through the Metro Flex app or by calling 206-258-7739 when the service launches Aug. 31.
Metro said it adjusts bus schedules twice a year in response to ridership demand, traffic conditions and the region’s expanding transit network.
Public Info Session will be Wednesday, Aug. 26
Metro will host an online South King County public information session at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26 – register here. Spanish interpretation will be available.
