King County Metro adds 3,000 weekly bus trips, more connections to rail

King County Metro's reorganization of its bus system to more effectively provide connections to regional light rail lines will add over 3,000 daily bus trips to the network, according to an article by Ryan Packer in The Urbanist.

"Eight existing bus routes will be retired, replaced with eight new ones and two new Metro Flex zones, with more than 3,000 bus trips added every week compared to service levels being provided today." The route adjustments are designed to increase access to light rail stations, including new extensions to Lynnwood, Federal Way and Redmond. South King County will see the biggest changes: once the changes are implemented, weekend service levels will grow by 7% and weekday service levels will rise by 51%. Sound Transit is also making significant adjustments to its bus routes.

According to Packer, "With so many changes on deck for riders, the adjustments will likely take some getting used to, but ultimately all move the region in the direction of being able to provide the most frequent service to the highest number of riders, leveraging the investments that have already been made in the light rail network."