Metro service changes makes life difficult for commuters along Bothell Way

Metro Bus Route 372 Change

Metro instituted major route changes on August 29, 2026. One of those changes has major consequences for commuters headed to the University of Washington in Seattle.

Route 372 started in Bothell, had stops in Kenmore and Lake Forest Park and continued through Lake City all the way to the University District (and the main campus of the University of Washington). So one ride to school if you attended the UW.

Route 372 has been cancelled.

Now, a new Route 72 will serve the Seattle part of the old route and Route 522 will serve the Kenmore / LFP part of the line.

Both routes will detour at 145th to terminate at the Shoreline South transit station, where bus riders are expected to transfer to light rail to continue their journey south or light rail to bus, headed north.

So now every ride to school will be in two parts - first the bus, then the light rail heading south and reverse order heading north.

If you simply want to travel from Lake Forest Park to Lake City, or vice versa, you will have to transfer at 145th and wait for another bus.

The Kenmore City Council protested, as did the Lake Forest Park City Council. Countless bus riders protested directly to Metro.

"Kenmore City Council is opposed to this change and has sent a joint community letter comprised of elected officials, neighboring cities, and community groups to the Metro General Manager communicating opposition to this change.

"Reach out to King County Council if you would like to voice your opinion regarding this change. For contact information, visit King County Councilmembers. For Metro route information, visit Service Change."

The service changes went into effect on August 29, 2026.

--Diane Hettrick

Read more...

Metro Bus shelter in Lake Forest Park honors Octavia Butler

Artwork celebrating the writer Octavia Butler is revealed at a bus shelter at the intersection of Ballinger Way and NE 175th St in Lake Forest Park

By Jeff Switzer, King County Metro

Photos courtesy King County Metro

Revered science fiction and Afrofuturism author Octavia Butler received international accolades and inspired generations of readers worldwide – and continues to be recognized and beloved in the corner of Lake Forest Park she called home.

Fans now can enjoy a new moment of reflection and remembrance at a Metro bus stop mural honoring Butler, at Ballinger Way NE and NE 175th Street and across from the largest bookstore in town (Third Place Books). 

The bus stop artwork joins other recognition worthy of a trip to Lake Forest Park that includes visiting Octavia Butler Avenue and a massive mural inside Third Place Commons.

Linocut artists Eileen Jimenez and Andrea Marcos collaborated with Sam Smith in Metro’s Transit Route Facilities section to develop, create and install the bus stop mural to honor the memory and timeless contributions of Butler.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to be able to reflect on the work of an artist,” Eileen Jimenez said. “I grew up riding the bus and wish I had been able to see art like this at bus stops!”

“It’s an honor to be a part of this project,” Andrea Marcos said. “The work of Octavia Butler was extremely transformative in my life and because I love public transit, this nexus of those things was particularly meaningful.”

This new mural joins Metro’s sprawling gallery of 1,300 bus shelter murals across King County, showcasing the work of hundreds of artists and honoring leaders throughout the region’s history.

“Octavia Butler’s writing has always inspired me to strive for a better world, and I truly believe in the power of public transit to contribute to that better world,” Sam Smith said. “I am so honored I got to work with these amazing artists to bring Octavia’s legacy to a Metro bus stop in her community.”

About two dozen people turned out for the streetside ceremonial unveiling of the mural, including Lake Forest Park city leaders.

“Celebration of the arts and a local artist is absolutely critical, and Octavia was a real inspiration to so many people in the region, around the world, and our community as well,” Mayor Tom French said. “She really created a broad impact for our community.”

The mural rounds out an emerging Octavia Butler trail that includes Octavia Butler Avenue, a massive mural inside Third Place Commons and now the bus shelter mural, said Lake Forest Park Deputy Mayor Tracy Furutani.

Inspired by both Octavia Butler’s work and the author’s creative process, linocut artists Eileen Jimenez and Andrea Marcos pulled from journals and interviews to create two portraits of Octavia, alongside notes she wrote to herself, printed in her own handwriting. 

We hope her words call us all into telling stories boldly, and just doing the damn thing. So be it! See to it!

 

Read more...

A 'Throne' for the Aurora Village Transit Center

Throne being delivered to the AV Transit Center

Story and Photos by Pat Deagen

A new arrival appeared at the Aurora Village Transit Center. It could not be more obvious unless it were placed in the middle lane of traffic on N 200th. Throne Labs introduces a surprising new restroom. You may wonder what could be new about a public toilet?

The Throne is under the shelter and right next to the bus shop

Well, are you accustomed to hearing music and getting a welcome message upon entering? With a sink and baby changing table, it seems roomy. With touchless controls on the door, faucets and toilet. There’s a urinal so men are less likely to make a mess.

Those who are adept at cell phone tech will get in faster
 than others who may be more challenged.

The one obstacle is getting in. This is what separates the phone adept from those who are challenged by cell phones. It took me about 10 minutes to get in the first time. But now I can get in in less than 30 seconds. 

No phone? No battery? That’s a problem. The door will not open. You may ask assistance from the security detail but they may not be able to open it.

The interior is clean and bright. The transit center and facilities are well maintained now.

It’s really nice inside. It is cleaned regularly. And the user is asked to report deficiencies and rate the cleanliness. It is self contained and must be pumped out and the water refilled. I expect regular servicing.

It saddens me to see some denied entry. I hope as more use it, more can be adept at opening the door.

For most riders in distress this is an improvement, and this is day one. Time will tell.

King County Metro has taken a big step here. I am happy to see this issue of bus travelers needing to use a restroom addressed by Metro and King County. 

Kudos to King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski who heard the concerns of the neighborhood and bus riders and responded.

Read more...

Transit agencies announce free rides on New Year's Eve

King County Metro will join four regional transit agencies to provide free rides on December 31, 2025 to help people safely celebrate New Year’s Eve.

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced that Metro will join other regional transit agencies to provide free rides this New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025.

Riders can travel without paying fares on King County Metro, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, Pierce Transit and the Seattle Streetcar as part of their holiday celebrations.

“Leaving the driving to us is becoming as great a New Year’s tradition as celebrating at the Space Needle,” said Executive Zahilay. “No matter where you plan to ring in the new year, you have access to free transit options to get you there!”

Regional transit agencies will operate on specific schedules to accommodate fare-free New Year’s Eve and riders are encouraged to check times beforehand.

Read more...

Pride of Place: maintaining the Metro Transit Center in Shoreline

Photo by Patrick Deagan

This week Metro Transit North Maintenance has been painting at Aurora Village Transit Center. 

The Raven artistry of Stuart S. Nakamura is getting a touchup. Care of the transit center is a focus of Metro’s ongoing maintenance  efforts.

Read more...

Aurora Village Transit Center scrubbed from top of light poles to bus bay platforms

Good news for public transit riders!

Story and photos by Patrick Deagen  

Crews cleaning the light poles at
the Aurora Village Transit Center

In recent days the Aurora Village Transit Center has been scrubbed from the bus bay platforms to the tops of the light poles.

Security is on duty 24 hours to ensure travelers and drivers have a safe ride. Security also views the park and ride lot.

There is a portable restroom for transit rider use. It provides relief to many riders every day, is cleaned twice a day and has been in place for 18 months.

The light rail stations on the north link each have two restrooms and drinking fountains. I see a significant awareness by Metro and Sound Transit that human needs are best met with making restrooms available.

Freshly cleaned Aurora Village Transit Center sparkles in the sun

There is evidence now that a healthier, more comfortable transit ride requires the presence of toilets at well used stations. 

Treating people respectfully is more likely to have riders with self-respect.

Today the bus routes from Aurora Village Transit Center connect commuters to light rail at each of the north light rail stations in Shoreline. One can bus directly from the transit center to Edmonds to get a ferry, or to Lake Forest Park and on to Kenmore.

There are good connections to Shoreline and Edmonds Colleges, to Shorewood High School and Einstein Middle School. Transfers are needed to North City, Ridgecrest and Richmond Beach. 

There are frequent red express buses going south on Aurora to downtown Seattle and Express Blue buses going north on 99 to Everett.

Riders appreciate the increased attention to cleanliness by Metro’s North Facilities Maintenance, making riding the bus more enjoyable.

Read more...

Bingo! Metro scores a property on its road out of Ridgecrest bus base

In a first milestone of moving out of the Ridgecrest bus base, Metro bought an old Les Schwab lot on Aurora.

By Oliver J. Moffat

Metro bought the property at 12215 Aurora Ave N, previously a Les Schwab Tire shop, for $2.9 million on May 6, 2025.

The vacant Les Schwab lot on Aurora that Metro recently purchased as a future site for its paratransit fleets. Photo by Oliver J. Moffat

King County Metro purchased the Les Schwab property to support the Access paratransit fleet and CAT (Community Access Transportation) vehicles. These programs provide transportation options to riders whose disability prevents them from riding the bus or train.

The move comes after disputes with the City of Shoreline regarding the current Metro Access bus base in the Ridgecrest neighborhood.

The City of Shoreline wants Metro out of its current Access base in the Ridgecrest neighborhood at the former site of Cascades Bingo hall. 

The Metro paratransit bus base in the Ridgecrest neighborhood at the former site of the Cascades Bingo hall. Photo by Oliver J. Moffat

Last year, the city council changed Shoreline’s zoning laws to forbid bus bases in the Ridgecrest neighborhood, the current location of Metro Transit’s Access bus base and maintenance garage.

The city said the Ridgecrest bus base was never legally permitted; vehicle storage has been forbidden at the site since 2008, four years before the base opened. Metro said they need the site to provide paratransit services in North King County and asked for six years to find another site.

In its 2025 budget, Metro allocated money to acquire a new location for the Shoreline Access site.

The Ridgecrest bus base property is 2.6 acres, while the Aurora property purchased by King County is 0.96 acres.

Metro must relocate its Access paratransit facility from the Shoreline property by June 30, 2027. 

In an emailed response to questions, a King County Metro spokesperson said, “The purchase of the Les Schwab property is the first milestone in that transition. We expect to move the Access uses and support needs to this property over the next several years. More work is needed in the coming years to relocate from Shoreline.”

Read more...

King County Metro restarts fare enforcement March 31, 2025

Tap your Orca card when taking transit

Starting March 31, King County Metro Fare Enforcement Officers will ask riders for proof of fare payment on buses and streetcars. 

Friendly, verbal reminders will be given to riders who did not pay.

Metro first will focus fare inspections on RapidRide routes, other high-ridership bus routes and the Seattle Streetcar.

“Metro relies on fares to provide safe, clean and reliable transit service, however we estimate that one-third or more of our riders are not paying their fare,” Metro’s Chief Safety Officer Rebecca Frankhauser said.

“By restarting fare enforcement, we’re confident that many of our riders will return to their habits of tapping their ORCA cards or paying at the farebox.”

Metro will deploy 30 Fare Enforcement Officers across the system from among the ranks of 175 Transit Security Officers.

Metro paused fare enforcement in 2020 to reassess and reimagine safety, security and fare enforcement to make the transit system more equitable and welcoming. 

Today, the agency often provides more than 300,000 rides each weekday and 2024 bus ridership was about 90 million systemwide. Metro fares accounted for an estimated $73 million in revenue in 2024.

Proof of payment required

Metro’s adult fare is currently $2.75. Beginning March 31, Fare Enforcement Officers will accept proof of payment in the form of:

• a recently tapped ORCA fare card
• an activated Transit GO Ticket on their phone
• a tapped ORCA card in Google Wallet
• a transfer slip issued to someone who paid cash at the farebox.

Many regional businesses provide their employees with ORCA cards. Employees who receive cards from their employers are still required to tap their cards and show proof of payment if asked by a Fare Enforcement Officer. 

Paying with an ORCA card provides information about our ridership that helps us serve them better and strong ridership data supports state funding for Metro. We encourage everyone to tap their ORCA card, even youth 18 and under who travel free.

Because the freedom to move is a human right, Metro offers reduced and free fares to ensure everyone can take transit:

• Riders with lower incomes can get an ORCA LIFT card, which allows them to take Metro bus service for $1.
• Riders with disabilities and seniors are similarly able to ride a Metro bus for $1 with a Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP) card.
• All youth aged 18 and younger can ride for free and are encouraged to get an ORCA Youth card.
• Additionally, riders with the lowest incomes who are enrolled in certain government programs also can ride for free with the Subsidized Annual Pass.

Please visit Metro’s Reduced Fare web page to learn more about these programs and take a quick, five-question quiz to determine which fare may be right for you.

Read more...

Transit union announces March 20 kickoff of Transit Safety & Security Task Force

The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 587 on Friday announced March 20, 2025 as the first meeting date for the new Transit Safety and Security Task Force. 

City leaders, public safety officials, transportation stakeholders, transit agency representatives, and King County representatives will convene in the new task force focused on addressing safety and security both aboard transit for riders and operators, and in areas around transit.

“Our transit operators have chosen careers of public service, and they deserve to be safe and secure on the job. And riders deserve to be safe, too.

"Violence and aggressive behavior on public transit are part of a much larger crisis, stemming from how we as a city and a society are failing so many people.

"Failing to provide mental health services, failing to provide treatment for drug addiction, and failing to provide the support to families and children that could prevent people from developing serious problems in the first place.

"And failing to provide shelter and affordable housing. We need to tackle those structural problems at the same time as we implement immediate measures that can improve safety on our transit system now.” – Katie Wilson, General Secretary, Transit Riders Union

The task force kickoff announcement follows the tragic murder of transit operator Shawn Yim in December. Just hours after his murder, the leadership of ATU Local 587, flanked by city and county leaders, called for the creation of a countywide task force on transit safety. Friday’s announcement made good on that promise.

“I’m proud to see this vital work getting off the ground,” said King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci.

“I look forward to supporting the task force’s recommendations and ensuring that everyone aboard transit – both operators and the riding public – feels safe and secure.

"We must do everything in our power to prevent another tragedy, like Shawn’s death, and also to alleviate the everyday incidents and issues that caused people to feel unsafe on our transit system.”

One of the primary goals of the task force is addressing transit safety and security in King County, including the jurisdictions in which the Metro transit department operates. As a starting point, the task force will address: 

• Improvements to operator safety on Metro transit department buses, including a plan to install physical barriers for bus operators on both newly acquired and existing bus fleet; 
• Strategies to hold public transit passengers, as well as others at bus stops and transit centers, accountable for abiding by the requirements for conduct on transit property, as specified in K.C.C. chapter 28.96, as well as local laws and regulations; 
• Interagency coordination and shared responsibilities with the jurisdictions in which the Metro transit department operates; 
• Coordination with Metro transit police, local law enforcement, communities, and transit riders to improve response times with the goal of improving both public safety and the perception of safety onboard public transit and at bus stops and transit centers; and 
• Other issues as identified by task force members.

"While King County Metro is doing everything we can to improve safety for our employees and riders, we recognize the need for this task force because our agency alone cannot make our communities safer. 

"We look forward to collaborating with cities and other partners to take meaningful actions to improve safety and security for everyone in the region.” - King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison

The task force will meet regularly through spring 2025 to develop an initial list of recommendations. Per County Legislation, a report is due in September 2025 to provide accountability and to report on progress for improving transit safety and security.

Read more...

Procession, memorial service on Friday January 10 for King County Metro Transit Operator Shawn Yim

By Jeff Switzer

King County Metro

King County Metro, community members, riders and transit agencies throughout the region will gather Friday, January 10, 2025 to celebrate and remember Transit Operator Shawn Yim, who was killed in the line of duty on December 18. (See article)

Remembrances begin with a 10am bus and transit vehicle procession through downtown Seattle followed by an 11am memorial event hosted by the Amalgamated Transit Union 587 at Lumen Field Event Center (also known as WAMU Theater).

With many Metro staff members attending these events to honor our fallen colleague and friend, there will be a very large number of bus trip cancellations and delays on Friday.

Riders are encouraged to sign up to receive transit alerts for their routes, however some real-time information in trip planning and transit tools, and transit alerts, may not be fully accurate during this period.

We recommend transit riders travel early, allow additional time and consider alternatives in the event of potential service interruptions.

Metro will provide as much bus service as possible. Water taxi routes and Sound Transit Link 1 Line and 2 Line services are expected to operate on regular schedules. Metro pass sales offices plan to provide regular service, while our customer service call center and lost and found services will be temporarily short-staffed while employees attend the memorial.

Memorial procession

A memorial procession of several dozen buses and transit vehicles from Metro and agencies around the region is scheduled to leave the SODO area at 10am. The procession will travel north on Fourth Avenue to Broad Street, Fifth Avenue North, Mercer Street, Sixth Avenue North and then south in the SR 99 tunnel to Lumen Field. 

No personal vehicles will be included in the procession. Cross-street traffic will be temporarily held as the procession passes. 

The public is encouraged to allow additional travel time due to temporary traffic delays.

Memorial service at Lumen Field’s WAMU Theater

A memorial service will be held at the Lumen Field Event Center (also known as WAMU Theater) from 11am to 1pm Friday, January 10. Doors open at 9:30am. Lumen Field is located at 800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle.

We appreciate the many condolences and all the expressions of support shared with us as we continue to mourn Yim’s death.

The safety of our riders, employees and community members

Safety continues to be our agency’s top priority. In recent years, Metro has more than doubled the number of transit security officers from 80 to over 170. We’re hiring more, while simultaneously recruiting for additional Metro Transit Police.

Metro is also redesigning our buses to strengthen the protections in place for our operators. We’re assessing and improving upon the operator partition that was installed on all buses in 2020 and 2021. And we have two pilot buses featuring different prototypes of cockpit-style doors for the operator’s compartment.

Additionally, we placed an order with a bus manufacturer for four test buses that will feature an ADA-compliant, European-style operator compartment design. This design has similarities to a light rail train, streetcar or subway. We are working with manufacturers to pursue other operator safety features, too.

More broadly, Metro and labor leaders are in active discussions with cities, law enforcement and other regional partners about actions that can be taken to improve the security challenges that exist in the communities and on the streets where Metro provides service.

Read more...

One year anniversary of Metro's installation of honey buckets at Aurora Village Transit Center

The honey buckets at Aurora Village Transit Center
Photo by Patrick Deagen

By Patrick Deagen

This week was the one year anniversary of Metro’s installation of a honey bucket at Aurora Village Transit Center. 

A truck and driver are currently servicing it twice a day. It was installed for transit riders and is in the park and ride at Aurora Village Transit Center on N 200th. 

Metro owns five transit centers and only two have a portable toilet.

Whether driving on an interstate, or waiting/riding on a ferry, traveling by train, plane, or intercity bus, toilets are provided onboard and in terminals. 

Metro is conducting a pilot project at Aurora Village Transit Center and it has been successfully in operation for one year.

So Happy First Birthday to the Shoreline transit riders' honey buckets!

Read more...

Manny Bautista named Metro Driver of the Year

Manny Bautista North Base
Metro Driver of the Year

Emmanuel “Manny” Bautista joined Metro in 1989 and drives bus routes from Metro’s North Base in Shoreline. He has earned numerous Safe Driver Awards and rider commendations during his tenure.

Born and raised in the Philippines, he attended the Far Eastern University and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Before joining Metro, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service, where he served as a vehicle maintenance manager.

 

When he joined Metro, he thought it would be brief, but instead it became a long and meaningful career in which he enjoys serving the public. Outside of work, Bautista is a husband, father and grandfather. In his free time, he enjoys boating, fishing and camping.

 

Bautista said he was moved by the award.

 

“I want to thank my family,” he told the crowd, “especially my wife, for all her support.”

At the ceremony, Bautista was presented with a ring to commemorate his recognition as Metro’s Operator of the Year. His achievements will also be shared with the broader public, and his photo will grace bus cards inside and outside of Metro coaches throughout the year. Additionally, his photo will be featured on the cover of the Route Book used by Metro operators.

Passenger praise for Bautista:

 

“I use a walker and he helped me get seated, and it was a very smooth ride. He is doing an excellent job."

Read more...

King County Metro Presentation: Using the Community Van Service

Did you know that King County Metro offers a van for pre-scheduled, low cost trips?!

Come to the Senior Activity Center for a presentation by King County Metro that will teach you how to use this amazing service! 

Learn to schedule rides for group outings, running errands, getting to medical appointments, going to concerts and sports events, etc. all at the cost of regular bus fare.

Vans are available to book any time of the day, any day of the week, and this service is available to anyone.

• Date: Friday, September 27, 2024 from 10:00 – 11:00am
• Cost: FREE
• Location: Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center 18560 1st Ave NE, Bldg G, Shoreline WA 98155
• Call 206-365-1536 or stop by the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center to register for this event.

Read more...

King County Metro Transit Instruction Program for Seniors and people with disabilities

Using public transportation can feel challenging or frightening for many people. 

In an effort to help seniors and people with disabilities gain confidence and learn ridership skills, the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center welcomes King County Metro for a group instruction program that aims to introduce independent bus riding!

You will learn to safely and confidently use public transportation. Participants will learn about paying bus fare, using an Orca card, how to find bus stops, how to communicate with the driver, how to exit at the correct stop and general problem solving during your time riding the bus.

• Date: Tuesday, 9/24/2024 1:00 – 2:00pm
• Cost: FREE
• Location: Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center 18560 1st Ave NE, Bldg G, Shoreline WA 98155
• Call 206-365-1536 or stop by the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center to register for this event.

Read more...

Untangling major bus route changes (with corrections)

An updated map from Metro shows bus routes starting September 14

By Oliver Moffat

Metro Transit, Community Transit and Sound Transit are making big changes to bus service in the Shoreline and North King County region starting September 14, 2024. County Councilmember Rod Dembowski sponsored the Metro changes.

A previous article reporting major bus changes coming September 14 missed details that transit riders should be aware of (the author regrets the errors but does not regret the time spent away from his computer).

Specifically, Metro won’t be deleting Route 372 and adding Route 72 until next year; not this week as implied in the previous article. Metro has also decided to not add Route 324. 

The previous article also incorrectly called Route 331 a “new” route when it is in fact an existing route that will get increased early morning and late night service.

Here are summaries of bus changes coming soon to the Shoreline and North King County region.

Starting Saturday, September 14, King County Metro says they will add 3,700 bus trips per week across its entire service area - increasing weekday bus trips by nearly 5% to 11,235 daily trips and increasing weekend trips by 8% to 8,241 on Saturdays and 7,649 on Sundays.

Metro is deleting Route 302 from Richmond Beach but Route 303 will now make a stop in South Lake Union and have one additional trip in the morning.

Metro will delete the 320 from Kenmore but Route 322 will now stop at Northgate and add stops in South Lake Union.

The new route 333 will (finally) provide east/west service along NE 175th St and connect Montlake Terrace station to Shoreline South station.

The new route 365 will run north/south along 5th Ave NE connecting the North City and Ridgecrest light rail stations.

Metro is expanding its Metro Flex on-demand service to parts of Brier, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Mountlake Terrace, and Shoreline starting Monday, September 16.

Route 331 from Kenmore to Shoreline Community College will now turn north off of Ballinger Way to connect to the Montlake Terrace station - eliminating stops between 15th Ave NE and 19th Ave NE.

Route 345 will no longer connect to Shoreline Community College and will instead connect to the Shoreline South station.

East/west Route 330 will also be deleted, removing another connection to the campus. But new route 333 and existing Route 5 and Route 331 will continue to serve the college.

Route 346 won’t go south to Northgate and will instead run north/south along Meridian connecting the Aurora Village Transit Center with the Shoreline South station.

 
Route 348 will have increased frequency and will run along 180th instead of 175th in North City with a connection at the Shoreline North station.

Metro says the RapidRide E Line will have more trips, restoring service on Aurora to 2022 levels.

Routes 73, 301, 304, 330 and 347 will be deleted by Metro.

A map from Community Transit’s website shows the new express route 909 to Edmonds and the Blue Line extension to the Shoreline North station

Snohomish County’s Community Transit is also making big service changes on Monday, September 14.

The Swift Blue from Shoreline to Everett will add a stop at the Shoreline North station in addition to Aurora Village.

Route 130 will connect downtown Edmonds to Aurora Village and the Montlake Terrace and Lynnwood stations. The new Express Route 909 will connect Edmonds to the Mountlake Terrace Station - improving car-free access to the Edmonds waterfront, train station and Kingston Ferry.

Route 106 will run through downtown Bothell before stopping at UW Bothell/Cascadia College and Route 120 will extend south to serve the college campus after passing through downtown. New Route 121 will also connect to the campus.

 
New routes will connect riders to the Lynnwood station: Route 901 to Mill Creek, Route 903 to Lake Stevens, Route 904 to Marysville, Route 905 to Stanwood, Route 907 to Arlington and Route 103 will connect to Mukilteo and Everett.

New route 117 will connect the Mukilteo Ferry to the Lynnwood station, opening a car-free trip to Whidbey Island.

Community Transit will delete routes 105, 107, 113, 227, 247, 402, 405, 410, 412, 413, 415, 416, 417, 421, 422, 425, 435, 810, 821, 860, 871, 880.

A map from Sound Transit’s website shows bus routes that will change on September 14

Sound Transit is also making bus route changes.

To mitigate overcrowding on the 1 Line, Sound Transit is adding temporary Downtown Express 515 to give riders a train-free connection from Lynnwood and Seattle. And Route 512 and Route 513 to Everett will now connect to the Lynnwood station instead of Northgate.

 
Everett Transit made only minor service changes on Sunday, September 8.

 
Metro plans a later phase of changes once the East Link Extension tracks on the I-90 bridge are fixed and the 2 Line (hopefully) connects Redmond to Lynnwood in 2025.

In this later phase, Metro plans to re-route the 522 BRT Express from Bothell and Woodinville to connect to the Shoreline South station instead of the Roosevelt station.

Metro plans to delete the 372 possibly in 2025 or 2026, forcing UW staff, faculty and students commuting between the Bothell and Seattle campuses to make a transfer. In its place, Metro would add Route 72 from the Shoreline South station to the UW Seattle campus and would extend Route 331 to connect to the UW Bothell / Cascadia College campus instead of terminating in Kenmore.

Metro’s website has details about all route changes and is available in English, 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese), Русский (Russian), Español (Spanish) and Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese).

 
Metro’s Trip Planner allows riders to set the date of their trip and riders can call Metro’s Customer Information at 206-553-3000 for more help.

The Metro changes were sponsored by King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski and voted on and approved by the King County Council in March. According to Metro, the community-based Lynnwood Link Mobility Board provided input into the changes.

 

Councilmember Dembowski said, “This enhanced system brings new options for transit riders in north King County. We’ve added more east-west routes and additional connections to our new light rail service.

"I am especially excited about the new Metro Flex service I was able to secure for neighborhoods in Lake Forest Park and Kenmore that will provide residents door-to-door, on-demand service.”

Read more...

Major bus changes coming: 16 new routes, 51 modified, 33 routes deleted

By Oliver Moffat

Bus riders, get ready for major bus revisions. Metro Transit, Community Transit and Sound Transit will make big changes to bus service in the Shoreline and North King County region starting September 14th to better serve the new Light Rail stations.

Metro Flex will serve the area north of Ballinger Way

King County Metro Transit plans to add five new bus routes, delete eleven routes, change 15 routes, and add Metro Flex service to Lake Forest Park and Kenmore. In Snohomish County, Community Transit will delete a whopping 22 routes and change 30 routes, while adding ten new routes. And Sound Transit will modify six routes and add one.

The new routes will provide more east/west connections to get riders to light rail lines while deleting dozens of north/south lines made redundant by the new light rail stations.

The deletion of bus routes will free up capacity so bus riders will get more weekday trips (+9%), weekend trips (+32%) and more evening trips after 10pm (+43%) and riders will have shorter wait times because of improved frequency up to every 15 minutes on many routes.

New Metro bus routes

With the new 1 Line opening, Metro will be deleting the outdated 73, 301, 304 302, 320, 330, and 347 routes. But Shoreline and Northshore transit riders will get changed, new and improved service on the 331, 333, 345, 346, 348, 365, E Line and 522 routes. And Kenmore and Lake Forest Park riders will get on-demand, ride-hailing Metro Flex service.

Goodbye 347 and 330: Route 347 from Northgate to Richmond Beach and the cross-town 330 from Shoreline Community College to Lake City will both be deleted.

Hello 5th Ave 365: Now, the new route 365 will run north/south along 5th Ave NE connecting both light rail station in North City and Ridgecrest and running south to serve North Seattle College and Northgate.

Hello crosstown 333: The new route 333 will (finally) provide east/west service along NE 175th St - connecting the Mountlake Terrace Station to the Shoreline South Station with stops in Ballinger, North City, Shorewood High School and Shoreline Community College.

Revised 345, 346, 348 and E: Route 345 will now connect to the Shoreline South Station and run along N 155th St but will no longer connect to Shoreline College. Route 346 will connect the Aurora Village transit center to the Shoreline South station via Meridian Ave. The 348 will run along 180th instead of 175th in North City with a connection at the Shoreline North station. And Metro promises increased frequency on the express E Line all day and night.

Goodbye downtown expresses 301, 302 and 304 and hello 515: downtown Seattle routes 301, 304 and 302 will also be deleted because riders will be able to use the Link 1 Line instead. With the deletion of the 302, Richmond Beach commuters will need to take the 348 and transfer to the 303 or the Link 1 Line. 

However, for some reason, Sound Transit will add the new 515 downtown express to get Lynnwood bus riders to Seattle who don’t like the train (essentially duplicating service provided by the new light rail extension).

Route 65 and 72 connects UW to 145th: Route 65 to the UW will now continue to the Shoreline South Station, running along 145th St. but the 73 from Jackson Park to the UW will be deleted. Metro says the new Route 72 will partially replace the 372 and will run from the Shoreline South Station to the UW via Lake City.

UW Bothell 372 deleted: Metro will delete the 372, forcing UW faculty and students commuting between the Bothell and Seattle campuses to make a transfer. In its place, Metro is adding the new Route 324 from Bothell that terminates in Lake City where riders can make a transfer to the new Route 72. Metro decided to not extend the new 331 to Bothell but Community Transit’s new Route 120 will connect Lynnwood station to the UW Bothell campus where riders can transfer to get to the UW Seattle campus. Taking the 522 Express, may provide a faster option but will still include a transfer.

Bothell Express Bus: Northshore riders can take Sound Transit’s Route 522 Express, which (currently) connects Woodinville to the Roosevelt light rail station along Bothell Way and Lake City Way with stops in Bothell, Kenmore and Lake Forest Park. When the East Link 2 Line from Lynnwood to Redmond opens in spring of 2025, the 522 will start running along 145th street to connect to the Shoreline south light rail station - providing another needed east/west connection across North King County. Further down the road, the Stride S3 Line will replace the 522 with all-electric, bus rapid transit (BRT) to Shoreline on Bothell Way and 145th starting in 2027.

322 and 331 connect Kenmore: Route 320 from Kenmore to South Lake Union will be deleted but Kenmore riders can take the new 331 and improved 322 and 522. The new east/west Route 331 from Kenmore will connect Lake Forest Park, Ballinger, Mountlake Terrace, and Aurora Village to Shoreline Community College. The 322 will now connect Kenmore riders to the Northgate Station instead of Roosevelt Station.

On Demand Pickups for Lake Forest Park and Kenmore: Lake Forest Park will mostly be left behind and remain a car-dependent, transit desert with bus routes only on the state highways that cut through town. But Metro will be expanding its Metro Flex service area to north Lake Forest Park and Kenmore allowing transit users to hail a ride with an app. The on-demand transit service will serve only north Lake Forest Park leaving residents south of Ballinger Way stuck in traffic.

Take the Ferry with the 909 and 117: The new express Route 909 and modified Route 130 will connect the Mountlake Terrace station to Edmonds station, opening up easy, car-free access to Edmonds’ downtown, waterfront, Kingston Ferry terminal and Amtrak station. The new Route 117 will connect light rail riders from Lynnwood to the Mukilteo Ferry.

Read more...

KCSO adds new K9 team to Metro police unit

Roland (human) and Bodhi (K9) are KCSO
explosive experts assign to Metro Transit

Put your paws together for our new K9 team who just passed the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Certification.

Meet Roland (the human) and Bodhi (the K9)

They work Metro Transit as Explosive Detection Handlers.

And we couldn't be prouder.

--King County Sheriff's Office

Read more...

Route 372 to be deleted; “very frustrating” says Lake Forest Park Mayor

A map from Metro’s website shows planned Shoreline and Lake Forest Park bus routes

By Oliver Moffat

At the Thursday, April 11 Lake Forest Park regular meeting the city council reviewed planned bus route changes from King County Metro.

Route 372 from Bothell to the University District will be deleted in 2025.

A screenshot shows Lake Forest Park Mayor Tom French expressing frustration over the deletion of route 372 to the University District 

In comments, Mayor Tom French said, 

“l, for one, I'm gonna be mourning the loss of that direct bus service. And as the Council has so consistently said, this community is really losing out again in the midst of all this expansion in other areas. 

"And it's very disappointing… once again, Lake Forest Park is a drive through and it's very frustrating for us…”

A map from King County Metro’s website shows the planned Metro Flex zone

Metro will add Metro Flex service in Lake Forest Park, north Kenmore, Brier and southeast Mountlake Terrace that allows riders to use an app to hail a minivan to get a ride within the service area.

There will continue to be no bus service in Lake Forest Park south of Ballinger Way and west of Bothell Way.

Read more...

Shoreline wants bus base out of Ridgecrest; Metro wants more time

Sixty Metro Access vans are parked under the Cascades Bingo sign in the middle of a weekday in January Photo by Oliver Moffat

By Oliver Moffat

At the Monday, January 22, 2024 City Council meeting, the council changed Shoreline’s zoning laws to forbid bus bases in the Ridgecrest neighborhood, the current location of Metro Transit’s Access bus base and maintenance garage.

As previously reported in Shoreline Area News, the current owners of the property want to sell the site and Metro wants to buy it. The city says the bus base has never been legally permitted; vehicle storage has been forbidden at the site since 2008, four years before the base opened. 

Metro says they need the site to provide paratransit services in North King County and is threatening the city with legal action. Metro is asking for six years to find another site despite already owning a bus maintenance garage and two underutilized parking lots in the city. The city is eyeing the site to build a community arts and performance space with affordable housing for local artists.

Michelle Allison, Metro Transit’s General Manager,
said Metro’s question to the city is “why?”
and threatened further legal action

According to written public comments from Michelle Allison, Metro’s General Manager, without the Ridgecrest bus base, Metro would need to deploy buses from South Park, Bellevue or Kent bases which would increase expenses, congestion, travel time and decrease reliability. 

This makes the site an essential public facility in Metro’s view and contends it would be illegal under the state’s Growth Management Act if the city forced the bus base out. Given the cost and complexity of buying property in the region, Metro wants at least six years to move to a new site.

According to Metro’s public comments, there is nowhere else in Shoreline for the bus base to go because the other sites where bus bases would be allowed under the new zoning rules are either not for sale, would displace retail stores, are slated for other development, or aren’t big enough.

At the January 22 meeting, Councilmember John Ramsdell asked why the sites Metro already owns in Shoreline could not be used to park Metro’s vans. 

“I haven’t heard much of a reason why from Metro why none of those three other sites… would be unworkable.” He said, 

“I think it’s a little bit dishonest that we were told there is no other option in North King County that would accommodate the one hundred access vans.”

According to a staff report, Metro Transit owns three sites in Shoreline that would be permitted to be used as a bus base. Metro owns two park-and-ride parking lots in Shoreline (the 5.34 acre Shoreline Park and Ride Lot on the corner of 192nd & Aurora and 211 spaces at the Aurora Village Transit Center east of Costco) 

Both sites are expected to be underutilized once the Sound Transit Light Rail stations open later this year. Metro also owns the 12.53 acre King County Metro North Base located west of I-5 which is currently used as a bus base and maintenance garage but does not have room for the Access vans, according to Metro.

In an emailed response to questions, a spokesperson for Metro said, “The three sites identified as options each have limitations and tradeoffs. A fuller evaluation is needed to address whether those limitations can be overcome or if they cannot, and additional time will then be needed to make an alternate site—if found to meet the necessary criteria—operational.”

In written public comments, Allison pleaded with the city to negotiate a solution without further legal conflict and said, “Metro’s question to the city is ‘why?’”

In a letter sent to Metro obtained through a public records request the city told Metro that the site was in violation of the city’s zoning laws because it had never received a permit to operate as a bus base. The city cannot permit Metro to use the site as bus base because it would be in violation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, according to the city.

A map of the Ridgecrest Commercial Planned Area as designated in 2008; the zoning area includes the Metro bus base in the south-west parcel. Map data from OpenStreetMap 

In 2008, four years before the site was put to use as a bus base, the city passed ordinance 492 which created the Ridgecrest Commercial Planned Area incorporating the six parcels at the corner of 5th Ave NE and NE 165th St. 

The zoning rules allowed greater density while enforcing rules to improve the livability of the neighborhood and encourage retail businesses. One of the rules explicitly forbids vehicle storage on any of the six parcels - including the site currently in use as a bus base.

However, in 2012, the city granted a permit to remodel the property into a bus base and garage. A permit search result shows the city reviewed and approved the plan for compliance with city zoning rules in 2012.

Councilmember Keith Scully speaking in favor of the
Ordnance said,“that is Metro's problem, not ours.”
Photo by Oliver Moffat

In public comments at the January 22 council meeting, Councilmember Keith Scully made his feelings on the matter clear: 

“We have tolerated for over 10 years, the facility that is not in compliance with our code in a neighborhood where it does not belong. 

"And we have bent over backwards, extending the period of time that facility was allowed to operate. 

'"We have bent over backwards, trying to find an alternate location in Shoreline. 

"Nothing about this ordinance bans transit access. Nothing in this ordinance has anything to do with the operation of the busses,” he said. “That is Metro's problem, not ours.”

Artspace Mt. Baker Lofts in Seattle. Photo Credit: Artspace
ShoreLake Arts recommends something similar at the Ridgecrest bus base -

In 2022, the city provided funds to ShoreLake Arts to conduct a market study on a project presented by ArtSpace to build a permanent home for ShoreLake Arts including classrooms, a performance space, art installations, and 40 to 70 units of affordable housing for artists. 

ArtSpace has completed similar mixed-use live-work spaces for artists in the region: the Mt. Baker Lofts in Seattle and the Schack Art Center Lofts in Everett. 

ArtSpace recommended the former “Bingo Hall,”,now in use as a Metro bus base in Ridgecrest as the preferred location in the 2022 study.

Read more...