Metro Expands Service With New Routes And More Frequency

King County Metro is set to launch a major boost in service starting August 30, with expanded bus routes, more frequent trips, and better access to Sound Transit’s 2 Line light rail. These changes, developed with input from Eastside residents and transit riders, are designed to make regional travel easier, more reliable, and more accessible.

“We’re delivering what riders and residents asked for: more frequent bus service, better evening and weekend options, and improved connections to Sound Transit 2 Line stations on the Eastside,” said King County Executive Shannon Braddock. “With 900 more trips per week across Metro’s system, regional travel options keep improving.”

The improvements are part of Metro’s Eastside Link Connections project, a multi-phase effort to redesign service across 21 cities and neighborhoods in response to changing travel needs and the expansion of light rail. These adjustments were shaped by community engagement and approved by the King County Council earlier this year.

“You’ll be seeing more Metro bus service, meeting the needs of riders and providing new, faster connections every day, all day,” said Metro General Manager Michelle Allison. “Some of these upgrades are laying the groundwork for the further expansion of the 2 Line coming next year and we invite everyone to explore the new places you’ll be able to go on transit.”

Key changes launching August 30 include four new routes aimed at improving connections between neighborhoods and the new light rail stations:

• Route 203 will serve Issaquah Highlands, North Issaquah, Newport Way, and connect with the 2 Line at South Bellevue Station.

• Route 222 will link Overlake, downtown Redmond, and Cottage Lake with the 2 Line at Downtown Redmond and Redmond Technology Stations.

• Route 223 will run every 20 minutes on weekdays, connecting Eastgate, Lake Hills, and Overlake to Downtown Redmond Station.

• Route 256 will offer peak-only direct service from Woodinville to downtown Seattle, with stops at South Lake Union and several freeway stations along the way.

Additional upgrades will improve weekday frequency on several existing routes:

• Route 224 (Duvall–Redmond) will now run every 60 minutes.

• Route 226 (Bellevue) will offer 20-minute peak service connecting downtown Bellevue to South Bellevue Station.

• Route 240 will operate every 20 minutes during peak and midday periods, on a revised path through South Bellevue, Factoria, Newcastle, and Renton.

0ò Route 249 (Redmond–Bellevue) will increase to 30-minute frequency with added evening service from 7 to 9 p.m.

In Seattle, Route 106 will see a significant service increase, with 30 new trips added weekly thanks to funding from the voter-approved Seattle Transit Measure. Service will improve to every 15 minutes between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., connecting the Chinatown-International District with Mount Baker, Rainier Beach, Skyway, and Renton.

“Seattle Transit Measure investments are a testament to our commitment to equitable and accessible transit for all,” said SDOT Interim Director Adiam Emery. “We are supporting our King County Metro partners’ regional service investments with more service on Route 106, ensuring that our neighbors who depend the most on transit have more frequent, reliable connections to essential services and new Link light rail stations in the future.”

Service changes made earlier this summer on the Eastside will also continue:

· Route 204 (Mercer Island) now runs on Sundays with 10 round trips, matching Saturday service and including DART service for off-route requests.

· Route 930 (Kirkland–Redmond) added hourly evening service on weekdays and weekends with DART service in the Willows Road area.

· Route 931 (UW Bothell–Duvall) was reinstated as a peak-only DART route, running every 30 minutes in the morning and evening. Off-route reservations are available by phone or online.

On September 15, Metro Flex will expand to Bellevue, providing on-demand transit in the Overlake area with direct access to Overlake Village Station. Riders can book trips via app or phone for the same fare as a standard bus ride. The Bellevue launch will also pilot the use of electric vehicles.

To help riders prepare for the changes, Metro’s Service Change page includes route details and maps in multiple languages, including Simplified Chinese, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Additional translation is available through online tools. Updated orange timetables will soon be available on buses and at transit hubs.

Metro’s customer service team is also available weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 206-553-3000. Riders can plan their trips using Metro’s Trip Planner, which will be updated ahead of the August 30 rollout.

One additional change to be aware of: Starting September 1, fares will increase to $3 for Metro buses, Metro Flex, and the Seattle Streetcar. Adult ORCA fares on King County Water Taxi will increase by 25 cents, while ORCA LIFT fares for the Water Taxi will be reduced to $1. Riders are encouraged to review their ORCA card settings to avoid disruptions.