Transit agencies seek comments on route changes

Bus riders can share their opinion about ideas for future bus service in southeast Seattle and Southwest King County at one of eight upcoming community discussions hosted by King County Metro Transit and Sound Transit.

October 9, 2008 9:31 pm

Bus riders can share their opinion about ideas for future bus service in southeast Seattle and Southwest King County at one of eight upcoming community discussions hosted by King County Metro Transit and Sound Transit.

Or, if unable to attend a meeting, riders can provide feedback by online questionnaire, email, phone, or letter.

Bus service changes are coming in 2009 and 2010 to neighborhoods in Southeast Seattle, Skyway/West Hill, Tukwila, SeaTac, and Federal Way.

Link light rail will begin serving many of these neighborhoods in the summer of 2009, and Metro is planning for RapidRide bus rapid transit service along Pacific Highway South in 2010. In order to maximize bus service and avoid duplicating the new express lines, Metro and Sound Transit are considering changes to some bus routes in these areas.

This could result in routing changes, schedule adjustments, or consolidation for almost 30 bus routes, including: Metro routes 7, 8, 9, 14, 32, 34, 35, 36, 38, 39, 42, 48, 60, 106, 107, 126, 128, 140, 154, 170, 174, 175, 180, 190, 191, and 194; and ST Express routes 574 and 594.

With the help of community advisory groups, the transit agencies have been reviewing changes that would: better connect neighborhoods with light rail stations and RapidRide stops; update bus service in these neighborhoods; and avoid duplication of service. Now is the time to comment on the options that are being developed. The community discussion meetings will be held:

• Thursday, Oct. 16 – 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Rainier Community Center, 4600 38th Ave. S., Seattle

• Tuesday, Oct. 21 – 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., New Holly Gathering Hall, 7054 32nd Ave. S., Seattle

• Tuesday, Oct. 21 – 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., New Holly Gathering Hall, 7054 32nd Ave. S., Seattle

• Thursday, Oct. 23 – 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Fire District No. 20 training facility, 12424 76th Ave. S., Seattle (Skyway/West Hill)

• Thursday, Oct. 30 – 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Foster High School, 4242 S. 144th St., Tukwila

The format for the meetings includes time for informal discussion with transit staff, and small-group discussions.