Metro Service During Adverse Weather
Service overview
During periods of adverse weather, Metro Transit may revise - or in some cases cancel - service.
Ice and snow create certain types of problems and many Metro routes have pre-planned reroutes that remove buses from hills under those conditions. Other types of adverse weather and conditions pose other hazards. Road and traffic problems caused by windstorms, flooding and other adverse conditions are less predictable.
During periods of ice and snow:
- Metro may implement reroutes anytime, day or night, and may return buses to regular routing on a route-by-route basis as conditions allow.
- Metro buses may be more crowded than usual and may not operate on schedule. Metro staff can tell you when your bus is scheduled under normal conditions, but cannot tell you when your bus will arrive during adverse conditions.
- If there are not enough drivers or chained buses to provide a full level of service, Metro may cancel some trips or entire routes to concentrate service on its core network. Prior to adverse weather identify alternative transportation options for your needs.
- Depending on road conditions, Metro may operate chained shuttles along hilly portions of some routes to connect with buses that can continue service. Chained shuttles usually follow regular routing and are signed "Shuttle."
- Routes that may use chained shuttles include: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 13, 18, 21, 22, 27, 32, 36, 42, 71, 74, 76, 101, 106, 187, 214, 232, 234, 252, 255, 260, 304 and Sound Transit Regional Express Route 540.
- Other buses will follow their regular routes whenever possible, although adverse road and traffic conditions may warrant unplanned rerouting of buses to avoid hazards.
- Buses will continue to try to stop at regular stops inside P&R lots even if the snow has not been cleared. If conditions inside a P&R are hazardous, buses will serve passengers on the street outside the lot.
No matter what the situation is, it is not possible to predict exactly how service will be affected or which Metro routes or trips may be revised or canceled. Even pre-planned ice and snow reroutes do not always work.
Adverse conditions can have different impacts on different parts of Metro's service area.
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Using Metro's services during adverse conditions
During adverse conditions Transit Customers are advised to
- Plan ahead; obtain related available Transit and other information in advance.
- Listen to Media reports and be aware of local conditions.
- If possible, avoid travel in affected areas.
- Dress and prepare according to the conditions.
- When streets are slick, wait for buses at posted bus stops on flat portions of arterial streets, or at P&R lots, Transit Centers or major transfer points; avoid hills.
- Be prepared for unpredictable delays and other Transit service exceptions. Transit may not be able to adhere to published schedules. Safety is Metro's primary concern during adverse driving conditions.
- Metro's phone lines may be very busy. Metro staff cannot tell you when your bus will arrive, and may not know about all reroutes.
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Links to other information sources
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Contact information
Metro Rider Information
voice: 206-553-3000
TTY: 206-684-1739 |
Many new riders may be trying to get information and phone lines may be busy. Metro Rider Information staff can tell you about reported service revisions but may not know about all service exceptions. They cannot tell you if your bus is on time.
Customers who call Metro's Rider Information number may have to try several times to get through. Please listen to recorded messages that may contain the information you need, and stay on the line for the next available Rider Information Specialist. Calls are answered in the order they are received. |
Metro Online |
After reading the general information on this page, visit the Ice & Snow Status Page to find out if any disruptions have been provided for your route.
Where applicable, links on the Ice & Snow Status page will lead to additional information.
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Online Trip Planner |
Metro's online Trip Planner does not show service revisions, delays or cancellations. Use it to plan trips in advance, then check for adverse weather information as described above.
Check boarding and exit locations in advance; look for those on level ground or at P&R lots and transit centers.
During adverse conditions, buses are often delayed and may be overloaded. Trip plans may be affected. Your patience is appreciated. |
Accessible Bus Service
voice: 206-553-3000
TTY: 206-684-1739 |
Metro will do its best to provide scheduled accessible bus service during adverse conditions; however, those conditions sometimes prevent the use of lifts or ramps or may prevent the bus from reaching the curb or stopping at some bus stops.
When the lift or ramp cannot be used, the driver will report the problem, try to arrange for alternate service and, if possible, notify the Customer what to expect.
During adverse conditions, there could be a significant delay. Persons who cannot wait in the cold may want to find alternate transportation. |
Access Transportation Rideline
voice: 206-205-5000
TTY: 206-749-4286 |
Registered Access Transportation riders should phone the call center or listen to local news to learn what level of Access service is available on days with snow and ice conditions. The call center's phone system will carry special announcements when service has been disrupted or suspended because of adverse weather.
When service must be suspended for safety reasons, Access Transportation vehicles may still be available for emergency services such as trips to critical medical appointments or to pick up prescriptions or groceries.
Access Transportation staff will make every effort to provide service to registered riders who notify the call center that their trips are essential. Please note, however, that Access Transportation staff will make the final decision about whether a trip can be provided safely. |
Custom Bus
206-684-1743 |
Custom Bus riders should check timetables for snow route information and then call the Custom Bus office to find out if their buses will operate on revised routes.
School custom buses will not operate if the schools they serve are closed. |
Carpools & VanPools
206-625-4500 |
Carpool and VanPool riders should check with their drivers to discuss snow plans in advance of adverse weather. |
Bus Time
206-287-8463 |
Metro's Bus Time system announces the scheduled times of buses at bus stops. It does not announce reroutes or late service.
During adverse conditions, be prepared for unpredictable delays. |
Tracker |
Tracker functions best when buses operate their normal routes.
The accuracy and availability of bus location and arrival information may decrease significantly during adverse weather. |
News Media |
Whenever possible, Metro’s public information staff will announce to the news media which routes or areas are affected.
Some radio stations announce changes in Metro service caused by snow or icy conditions.
Media sources may not update information after it is initially provided. Visiting Metro Online or calling 206-553-3000 remain the best ways to get the most current information. |
Other Transportation Agencies |
Please visit the specific web sites for other transportation agencies to find out about their services during adverse conditions.
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WSDOT
511
206-368-4499
toll free: 1-800-695-7623 |
Additional information about conditions in the area is available on the Washington State DOT's 24-hour greater Seattle-area Traveler Information line, or visit WSDOT Emergency Highway Closures. [external link] |
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