King County Metro to further reduce transit services

KING COUNTY, Wash. — Starting Monday, King County Metro will further reduce its operations in response to the pandemic.

The agency announced Thursday that weekend bus service would be decreased, and it will further reduce bus service during the week.

“To reserve transit for those who need it most, we’re calling on riders to travel only if absolutely necessary and to wear a face-covering to help limit the spread of COVID-19,” said King County Metro General Manager Rob Gannon. “Adjusting our weekend and weekday service allows us to continue to operate a reliable network of service for essential travel needs – for food, medicine, and work – while responding to decreased ridership demands and to the overall availability of Metro’s workforce. Our goal is to continue to serve the community, and we’re grateful for and commend our frontline staff.”

Officials said there will be approximately 42% fewer buses, 36% fewer transit operators and 27% fewer service trips for the regular weekday service.

As for weekend trips, they will be reduced by 15% on Saturdays and 4% on Sundays.

The revised schedule will only provide transportation services to maintain access to critical supplies, services and worksites across the region, the agency said.

Water Taxi and First Hill Streetcar will continue to operate on previously reduced schedules.

For those needing information on the changes, Metro has posted information on its website, however, canceled trip information for weekday service will be revised and updated online Saturday.

The transit agency previously made reductions in service on March 23 and April 6, helping it to sustain its system amid the decline in ridership.

The agency said the water taxi and First Hill Streetcar would continue to operate on previously reduced schedules.

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