AUBURN, Wash. — As King County continues to grow, transit leaders are expanding transportation options in South King County.
King County Metro’s on-demand transit service, Metro Flex, is now available in Auburn and Federal Way through two new pilots aimed at helping people get around their communities and connect to the region’s larger transit network. The pilots have been in place since August 31, so it’s been roughly a month.
Metro Flex allows riders to book trips through a phone call or mobile app.
King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison described the service as a microtransit option that operates similarly to rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, but within designated service zones.
“In 2026, over 245,000 people chose Metro Flex to get to where they needed to go across King County,” Allison said.
When asked about the expansion in these cities, Allison pointed to the growth and demand.
“Those are some of the fastest-growing cities in our region,” Allison said. “Auburn and Federal Way are really seeing high demand for both housing and transit.”
According to Allison, early interest in the service has been strong. Roughly 2,700 people have downloaded the Metro Flex app, and the service has already provided more than 200 rides during its first month.
“We are still getting the word out to folks,” Allison said.
Officials say one of the primary goals of Metro Flex is to help riders bridge the “first mile, last mile” gap by providing connections to Sounder and light rail stations.
“It is absolutely making those connections seamless, both because it’s affordable,” Allison said. “It’s an option that actually meets people’s needs and gets them to that transit system in a way that’s dependable.”
Some commuters say the service could provide a less expensive alternative to traditional rideshare services.
The Auburn and Federal Way Metro Flex pilots will run for two years. During that time, officials will evaluate whether the service is meeting local mobility needs before deciding whether it should continue beyond the pilot phase.