Metro employs 2,716 full-time and part-time operators and operates 1,540 buses. Yes, cash will continue to be accepted on Metro buses, and via ticket vending machines for other transit services. [50], In 2007 it cost $3.64 per boarding to deliver service in the West (Seattle) subarea, $4.79 in the South subarea and $7.27 in the East subarea of King County. No date has been set yet to resume fares . Tickets must be purchased prior to boarding. Day passes (good for round-trip or multi-trip rides) are also available from ticket machines. Check out the "Earn" section of the app to learn how you can earn rewards points and check out the "Redeem" section of the app to use your earned points toward free mobile transit tickets or credits for other transportation services such as bike-share and scooter-share. Metro also operates custom routes to major employment sites (like Group Health Cooperative in Tukwila and the Boeing Everett Factory). When boarding the Water Taxi, Access, the Seattle Center Monorail, Via to Transit, and Trailhead Direct, the loading agent or cashier will scan your card. of Transportation Metro Transit Division. To coincide with new Link service, King County Metro is also updating their on-campus bus service to better serve the U District and University of Washington stations. Learn if you qualify for an ORCA LIFT card and where to get one. Transit vouchers, Apple Pay and PayPal are not accepted at this time. You can download the app for Android and iPhone and buy tickets directly using your credit card, debit card or cash. During the 2019-20 school year, 34% of King County's students qualified for free and reduced-price . The extent of Metro's application of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) for transit information available for customers has been limited to a few projects: Metro is a participating agency in the regional smart card program called ORCA (One Regional Card for All). When. Other Metro services operating fare-free include DART, Via to Transit . As long as you transfer within 2 hours, your original fare will be credited toward the next leg of your journey. 0 points. One-way adult fares range from $2.25 to $3.50 depending on how far you travel. Accessibility inquiries1-800-201-4900, TTY Relay 711, Call the Access Transportation Rideline 206-205-5000 (WA Relay: 711) Penalty Points. *Cancellation or not boarding Access when the vehicle is at the correct location. Because of the scattershot evolution of the system, there is no easily discernible pattern to the route numbers, although there are clusters in certain neighborhoods. Sidewalk closure, new pedestrian detour and movement of bus stop. Today, King County Metro operates more than 200 routes, providing local and regional transit service, primarily within its jurisdictional boundaries. Several routes were also split between trunk routes using articulated buses and shuttles to serve hillier areas with smaller buses. Please put the ticket in the farebox located next to the driver. More than 32 percent of Metros on-demand rides are taken by customers enrolled in reduced-fare programs. This provides a two hour transfer window. On 3rd Avenue, each bus route is assigned to Blue, Yellow, Red or Green stop groups and each bus stop has two color designations; in the northbound direction, every other bus stop is a Red/Yellow or Green/Blue stop, while in the southbound direction they are Green/Yellow and Red/Blue. King Street Center 201 S. Jackson St Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 553-3000 King County Metro accepts cash, ORCA cards, or the Transit GO Ticket mobile app. Public transit operator in King County, Washington, US, A King County Metro bus operating on Route 157 in. Metro is working on new ways to improve regional mobility and reduce single-occupant vehicle travel. [45][46] A fourth route, between Tukwila International Boulevard station, Renton, and Cougar Mountain, was added in 2019. Youth 18 and under ride for free on all Sound Transit services. The permit is free, a replacement will cost $3. [77] Today, King County Metro has one of the largest articulated fleets in North America (second only to MTA New York City Transit) and articulated buses account for about 42% of the agency's fleet.[2]. This page was last edited on 2 March 2023, at 21:53. Riders will be able to request pickup and drop-off within defined service areas via a mobile app, which is similar to . Metro Flex will help us deliver for those asking for more transportation options. Port Chester station, on Metro-North's New Haven line, is in the heart of downtown. ORCA cards can also be used. More about day passes. For fares up to $1.75 $4.00/day. Enter your email address and name below to be the first to know. These routes require significant deadheading (particularly on the one-way routes), as well as a very large part-time labor force, both of which drive up costs. Buses at Atlantic Base. More about E-purse, Value stored on an ORCA card $5.00 $400.00, A regional transit pass valid for unlimited rides in the valid month. The farebox has a sign that tells you the fare. The Move Ahead Washington transportation package includes more than $640 million over 16 years to support Metro bus and paratransit service, RapidRide and zero-emission bus construction The Transit GO Ticket app is a great way to get anywhere you want to go in the Seattle area. One-way senior/disabled Link fares are $1 for all trips, regardless of the distance traveled. Metro's highest cost route by this measure, route 149 (Renton Transit Center to Black Diamond), had a peak time cost of $34.47 per boarding. Riders who would otherwise feed cash into the farebox or buy a transit ticket at a vending machine could save several minutes by instead purchasing and displaying their Transit GO Ticket on their smartphone. Please have the exact fare ready (you can overpay if you don't have the exact amount); Put your money in the farebox located next to the driver. Home, work or school is just a short, on-demand ride away from your Link light rail station. Our riders have embraced our on-demand services, and on March 6, well unite them under our new Metro Flex neighborhood transit service. Adult. Condition. All RapidRide routes have frequent service with frequencies of 10 minutes or better during peak commuting hours and 15 minutes during most off-peak hours and on weekends. Bus Rapid Transit Streetcar/Monorail. If you don't know which of these to apply for, get help finding out which ORCA fare is right for you. 511 Following. In addition to the bases, maintenance of the fleet and operation of the system are supported by several other facilities. You are in: New Trip Planner > Alerts; Go to Metro Online's Home Page. The conductors do not sell tickets. Download the Transit GO Ticket app in the app store, buy tickets in advance and don't forget to activate before you get on. Bring exact change - the driver is not able to make change for you. Content is available under. Fares on the King County Metro varies depending on your age. Three shuttle services contracted out to private operators, including Via, were merged in 2023 under the "Metro Flex" brand. Directs external communications and reputation management for recent winner of the Best Large Transit Agency in North America that delivers hundreds of thousands of . Date: May 21, 2021 Author: Jeff Switzer, King County Metro. The ORCA card is all you need to pay your fare on buses and trains in the Puget Sound region. Increase service on high-ridership routes that provide frequent, two-way connections throughout the agency's service area. On buses, show your screen to the driver when boarding.*. Qualified riders are issued an ORCA card to pay their fare. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. Low-floor coaches have slightly reduced seating capacity (because the wheelwells intrude further into the passenger compartment) which may have been a concern. ORCA is the easiest way to pay your fare. The card is free. [8][10], After two failed attempts to enable it to build a regional rapid transit system, it was authorized to operate a regional bus system in 1972. we can authorize you at an in-person King County Metro Neighborhood Pop-Up, . Metro discontinued the project in 2005, citing the cost of maintenance and technical problems. Working with 40 neighborhoods to encourage residents to use sustainable travel modes and save money, help the environment and be more active while theyre at it. .. Since 2019, King County Metro's on-demand services have provided safe, reliable connections for people and places that aren't near frequent bus or rail service. Want to be notified when our article is published? Morris. The ride to Grand Central during peak commuting times takes just under an hour; the one-way fare is $13.75 . King County Executive Dow Constantine announced today that Metro will join other regional transit agencies to provide free rides this New Year's Eve. Metro has 237 bus routes that combine service patterns typical of both city and suburban bus networks, carrying over 400,000 daily passengers as of 2019[update]. It operates between Chatsworth and North Hollywood stations in the San Fernando Valley.The 18-mile (29 km) G Line uses a dedicated, exclusive right-of-way for the entirety of its route with 17 stations located at . Intended to encourage transit usage, improve accessibility and encourage downtown shopping, the zone was created in September 1973 and was originally called the "Magic Carpet" zone. Using an ORCA card allows all passengers to transfer for free to bus and rail. Metro offers several types of reduced fare transit cards. Ferry/Water Taxi. Where. Enter your zip code to search for the nearest retail location. Reduced fares are available for . Metro believes SaFE reform is a necessary step on its journey to becoming an anti-racist mobility agency. How much time might riders save using Transit GO Tickets? Beginning September 1, youth up to age 18 can ride for free with a Youth ORCA card or a school ID, or by simply boarding transit. This page was last edited on 6 December 2018, at 02:21. Pay as you enter the bus with the following options: Sound Transit does not have a regional bus ticket program. Eligible customers can enroll starting October 15, 2020. After suspending fares in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, King County Metro will resume collecting fares on Thursday, October 1. Routes in the city network are numbered from 1 to 99. Additional improvements such as expanded ride-share and paratransit services in King County. Senior/disabled fares (age 65+ or qualifying . Keep it with you at all times when riding because a fare enforcement officer may ask to see it. (Customers may be directed to a bus or light rail option instead with arrival times if theyll be best-served by those modes.). Info: wmata.com. Call Customer Service at 206-553-3000 (WA Relay: 711). Theyll receive a nearby pick-up location to meet their driver and may share the ride with other passengers. It is accepted for regular service for various transit providers in the region. When transferring to bus, you only need to tap your card once as you enter the bus. Learn more Adult Orca. The Transit Go Ticket App allows riders to buy bus, rail and water taxi tickets using their mobile device. Last Updated October 13, 2022. except for youth 18 and under and Tacoma Link light rail. Have questions about fares? Learn more, Youth are encouragedbut not requiredto get a free Youth ORCA card Learn more, Subsidized Annual Pass (Eligibility required), This pass allows qualified riders to travel on select transit in our region for free for up to 12 calendar months, provided eligibility requirements are met. When offices first went remote, commuting dwindled, cutting into bus and light rail revenue that helped support operating costs.Those continuing to ride didn't have to pay for a while, either, as King County Metro halted passenger payments and Sound Transit stopped checking for ORCA cards. Riders enrolled in Transit Go Rewards can earn reward points by taking qualifying trips and making smart travel choices. Route numbers in the lower 900s (901931) are used for Dial-a-Ride services, while shuttles connecting to the King County Water Taxi are numbered in the 700s. For convenience, add additional money or a pass to this ORCA Adult card using the same application form. [34] An earlier plan from the 1980s replaced SeattleEastside commuter routes with a set of routes that exclusively served predetermined park and ride lots.[35]. To provide an even better, more consistent experience for riders, three existing services Community Ride, Ride Pingo to Transit and Via to Transit will become Metro Flex. [8] The municipality's transit operations was a stand-alone department within the county until 1996, when it became a division of the newly created King County Department of Transportation. Riders with mobility needssuch as using a wheelchaircan save this information within their Metro Flex profile. Print and complete the application form and mail it to the ORCA Regional Mail Center. Cash or paper tickets are not available for this fare category. Metro Flex delivers flexible, reliable transportation for the same cost as a Metro bus fare. The suburban network typically operates on major streets between the regions employment and population centers. [58] The tunnel is now exclusively used by light rail trains, and its ownership is planned to be transferred to Sound Transit in 2022. Whentransferring from Linkto Sounder train, keep in mind that Sounder train fares are distance based as well. The station opened on July 1, 1977, part of the 11.8-mile (19.0 km) initial segment of the Blue Line between National Airport and Stadium-Armory stations that opened that day.. Virginia Railway Express began service in June 1992, with its Crystal City station about 0.2 miles (0.32 km) northeast of the Metro entrance. Transit Alerts at. And in 2012 Seattle got rid of the ride free zone downtown. Regional Day Pass. -Krista Glotzbach, Head of Via Western U.S. Partnerships. King Street Center. [51] Half of the lots are leased from other property owners such as churches. With Metro Flex (powered by TransitTech provider Via), anyone can download our app and ride anywhere within a service area, all for the same cost as a Metro bus trip. As part of the 2021-2022 King County budget, funds are available for Metro to examine expanding mobility solutions in Skyway. When you're ready to board, simply activate the ticket and get on. Routes with Night Owl service include the 7, 36, 48, 49, 120, 124, 160, 161, and the RapidRide A, C, D, and E Lines. Metros Innovative Mobility Program is leveraging emerging mobility services and new technologies to give people more ways to get around in King County. Over 50 data sets are available, including bus stops, bus routes, adverse weather routes, time points, neighborhoods, fares, bike lockers, fare zones, transit centers, park and rides and MORE. Adult fares (age 19-64) Riders age 19 to 64 pay a fare depending on the type of trip and distance travelled. Date: March 1, 2023 Author: Al Sanders 1 Comment. See below for a list of adult fares by service. The project severed access to the north portal of the tunnel, while an upcoming light rail construction project in 2020 will also cause other disruptions. During the 2019-20 school year, 34% of King County's students qualified for free and reduced-price lunch. Sound Transit requires fares on all buses and trains, except for youth 18 and under and Tacoma Link light rail. Our fare engagement program has changed who checks fares and how they do it, the way warnings and ticket resolutions work, and the process for resolving fare non-payment. Rememberto tap on at your starting station to begin your train portion of yourtrip and tap off at your end destination to accurately calculate your fare. Growing for the future. Neither are valid on Sounder trains or Link light rail. It is one of the two lines in the Metro Busway system operated by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation . The tunnel was completed in 1990, at a cost of $455million, to carry commuter buses. Day passes (good for round-trip or multi-trip rides) are also available from ticket machines. Children 5 and under ride free with a paying adult. A shared vision for Metro's future. See if you qualify, A more affordable way to get to work, school, shopping, day care or anywhere else you need to go. King County Metro Transit tickets and transfers . See below for a list of low-income adult fares by service. [9] By 1967, the agency had completed its $125million sewage treatment system, which diverted 20million gallons (76million liters) that had previously contaminated Lake Washington. On 2nd and 4th Avenues, routes are grouped into Orange and White stops. [40][41], Metro uses skip-stop spacing on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Avenues in Downtown Seattle, whereby buses skip every other bus stop. From paying for tickets on the go using cash or credit card; to being a safe, contactless way to pay your transit fare, the Transit GO Ticket has all the features you need right in the palm of your hand. One-way senior/disabled Sounder fares are $1 for all trips, regardless of the distance traveled. You can also buy tickets through Metros "Marketplace" site on your PC or desktop and have the tickets appear in the app on your mobile device. In 2021, the system had a ridership of 52,368,400, or about 215,700 per weekday as of the third quarter of 2022. Implementation of RapidRide routes in five arterial corridors. Tacoma Link trains run every 12 minutes most of the day on weekdays and Saturday, and every 24 minutes on Sunday. Chapter 2. Day passes (good for round-trip or multi-trip rides) are also available from ticket machines. ORCA works like cash or a pass, automatically tracking the value of different fares and transfers so you don't have to. https://www.transit.wiki/index.php?title=King_County_Metro_fares&oldid=175795. Metros on-demand services were created with and designed to serve priority populations. [49], Metro's lowest-cost route overall, route 4 (East Queen Anne to Judkins Park), had a cost per boarding of only $0.46 during peak hours in 2009. Metro bus driver Lisa Nault, who campaigned recently for Prop 1 downtown, said there is a fallback: a free shuttle in downtown to replace the ride free zone. [27][28] Since 2003, Metro has contracted with senior charities to operate the Hyde Shuttle system, which provides free rides to elderly or disabled passengers in Seattle and other cities. [13][14] In 1992, after gaining approval by popular vote, the municipality's roles and authorities were assumed by the government of King County. Learn more about theRegional Reduced Fare Permit. The time you need to leave or. Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies. Beginning September 1, youth up to age 18 can ride for free with a Youth ORCA card or a school ID, or by simply boarding transit. [60], In King County, Metro has 132 park and ride facilities containing a total of 24,524 parking stalls as of 2009[update]. King County Metro. [52], Until 2018, King County Metro had two fare zones, dividing Seattle and the rest of the county, and also had a peak surcharge. 156th Ave NE & Redmond Technology Station - Bay 8 Sr 520 & NE 40th St Bellevue Transit Center - Bay 6 Southport Dr N & Lake Washington Blvd N Park Ave N & N 8th St Renton Transit Center - Bay 4 Sr 167 & SW 7th St Central Ave N & S 228th St Kent Sounder Station - Bay 9 4th Ave N & W Smith St Auburn Park . Available for Metro bus, King County Water Taxi, Kitsap Transit, Seattle Streetcar and Sound Transit. To replace a lost or stolen card, go to the FAQs on myorca.com. Pay your Link fare with: **RequiresRegional Reduced Fare Permit. Before boarding Link light rail, RapidRide, the Sounder commuter train, and the Seattle Streetcar, tap your ORCA card on a yellow card reader outside/on the platform. The bus stop color groupings are identified by a colored plate installed above or on the side of the bus stop sign. Metro has a regional trip planner that provides itineraries for transit trips within King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties, including those on Sound Transit services, Washington State Ferries, the Seattle Center Monorail, and the Seattle Streetcar. enabled [36] All lines use new, low-floor, articulated buses that are painted with a distinct red and yellow livery and have onboard Wi-Fi. On Metro RapidRide buses, the driver will always give you a paper transfer when paying with tickets. Our Bus Shelter Mural Program is a great example of the hidden benefits of Metro. Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Learn if you qualify for reduced fares and where to get an RRFP. KSC-TR-0324. Today, some buses lay over along Eastlake Avenue East between trips. You can find more information on King County's website or by calling (206) 553-3000. {{ 'ROUTESWIDGET_VIEW.MAP_TAB' | translate : {value : routeWidgetTabCount()} }}, {{'COMMON_ELEMENTS.BOTTOMSHEET.ITINERARIES_TITLE' | translate : {value : $templateFunctions.countElements($root.itineraries)} }}, {{$root.displayItineraryTime}} - {{$root.displayItineraryDate}}, {{'COMMON_ELEMENTS.BOTTOMSHEET.ITINERARY_DETAILS_TITLE' | translate }}, {{$root.stops[$root.routeStopTimesStopId].custom}} @ {{$root.stops[$root.routeStopTimesStopId].stopName}}, {{$root.routeStopTimesDateObj.format($tpConfig.dateFormat)}} {{$root.routeStopTimesDateObj.format($tpConfig.timeFormat)}}. Custom routes are also occasionally established to serve as shuttles for large local events, including Seattle Seahawks and Washington Huskies football games. Riders 65+ or riders with a disability can qualify for a reduced rate with a Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP). If you are transferring, ask the driver for a paper transfer at the time you pay. [53], The King County Metro fares as of July 1, 2018 are:[54], One-way fare (Peak, 1 Zone), with year of rate change:[55]. Park nearby. Day passes (good for round-trip or multi-trip rides) are also available from ticket machines. The service, operated in partnership with the county's park and recreation department and private companies, debuted in 2017 and was expanded the following year to cover three routes: Capitol Hill station to Mount Si; Mount Baker station to the Issaquah Alps; and a shuttle from North Bend to Mailbox Peak. Community Transit fares; Pierce Transit fares; There are two ways to pay for bus fare. [68] The system uses RFID tags that are read as buses approach a TSP equipped intersection. If any part of your trip costs more than your transfer fare, you will only have to pay the difference. Metro customers use these popular services for getting to appointments, school, stores and work, as well as for transferring to bus and light rail. Whentransferring from Sounderto Link, keep in mind that Linkfares are distance based as well. Some transit centers also offer a park and ride facility. Learn more and apply for a Free Youth Transit Pass here. The J Line (formerly the Silver Line, sometimes listed as Line 910 / 950) is a 38-mile (61.2 km) bus rapid transit route that runs between El Monte, Downtown Los Angeles and Gardena, with some trips continuing to San Pedro. A driver might only be able to spend a quick moment answering a question, but cannot help navigate the app at the risk of delaying transit service. Its operations subsumed the Seattle Transit System, formerly under the purview of the City of Seattle and the Metropolitan Transit Corporation, a private company serving suburban cities in King County. August 28, 2020. King County Metro and Sound Transit have partnered to create a new, subsidized annual pass program, allowing qualified riders to travel on select transit in our region with 100% subsidized fares.