Some Metro trips canceled after steering system issue found in buses

SEATTLE — Some King County Metro bus trips are being canceled after more than 100 buses were removed from service due to a mechanical issue.

Metro officials said after two of their drivers identified a manufacturing issue in the steering system in some vehicles, the agency proactively removed 126 buses from service out of its 1,500-vehicle fleet.

No accidents or injuries have occurred as a result of the problem.

Metro has inspected all of its buses to ensure they are safe.

Riders are encouraged to check their trips using one of Metro’s planning tools:

• Use “Text for Departure” by texting your bus stop number to 62550. You will receive a text with the next departure times and/or canceled trips at that stop.
• Sign up for Transit Alerts via email or text.
• On Twitter, follow @kcmetroalerts for route alerts, cancellations and delays. Follow @KingCountyMetro for general information.
• Visit TripPlanner.kingcounty.gov or use other map apps such as Bing Maps, Google Maps, One Bus Away or others.

Metro’s customer service office is open on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Customers can also call the office at 206-553-3000.

New Flyer, the manufacturer of the affected buses, is working with Metro to resolve the issue. Metro does not yet have a timeline for when the work will be completed, and supply chain issues may cause delays.

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