A Shuttle Ride to the Trailhead

A pilot program by King County Metro and the King County Parks Department in the state of Washington found success in 2017, and is spending the beginning of 2018 looking at options to expand.

1 minute read

March 15, 2018, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Issaquah Alps

Jesse Hey / Flickr

King County, Washington announced earlier this month that it is planning on continuing and potentially expanding the popular Trailhead Direct pilot program it launched in 2017. An article on the Washington Trails Association website explains:

Last summer, the pilot program developed as a joint effort, on behalf of King County Metro and King County Parks Department, to reduce vehicle congestion at popular trailheads in the Issaquah Alps. It was a step towards ensuring more equitable access and public transportation to trails as the demand for hiking opportunities around Seattle, Issaquah and North Bend continue to grow. 

About 900 hikers used the shuttle last year, or 40 per day that service was in operation. A survey of riders found positive results in parking congestion at trailheads, and demand for expanded service. In response to that demand, "the two King County agencies plan to optimize the bus routes and time schedules to accommodate more riders," according to the article. "They will also be discussing the possible expansion to North Bend and other urban centers." 

Friday, March 9, 2018 in Washington Trail Association

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Person stepping over hole in sidewalk.

Portland Council Tentatively Approves Sidewalk Repair Plan

The proposal would address sidewalk needs in Portland’s District 1 and District 4.

21 minutes ago - Oregon Public Broadcasting

6-story building at Honolulu Community College.

Expanding Access to Design Education at Honolulu Community College

Honolulu Community College’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies program highlights the role of community colleges in preparing nontraditional students for careers in architectural and construction technologies.

1 hour ago - University of Hawai'i News

"Radiation Zone, Keep Out" sign on wood post with red Arizona desert mesa in background

Integrating Human Rights Into Energy and Extractive Sector Transitions

Why just transition efforts must move beyond economic considerations by embedding human rights principles into business practices to ensure equitable, transparent, and accountable outcomes for affected communities and workers.

2 hours ago - Cambridge University Press

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.