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Snow in the forecast, plan ahead

photo: snowy bus stop
Bus passengers should dress warm and head to a major transfer point during snowy weather.

Snow could return to King County this week, making travel difficult for motorists and bus passengers. Here are a few reminders from the King County Department of Transportation on how to prepare:

For bus passengers:

Keep timetables handy for quick reference when you hear Metro Transit is modifying service because of snow or ice;
If you do not normally ride the bus, check timetables ahead of time for routes serving your area and the adverse-weather information for those routes. Metro may have to switch to snow routes in some locations with little notice;
Be patient. Buses are not always on schedule in snowy or icy conditions. And, increased ridership during bad weather can result in crowded buses and a longer-than-usual wait on the phone for the Rider Information Office;
Dress warmly for the walk to the bus stop and possible delays, and wear appropriate footwear for the weather;
Head for bus stops on main arterials or at major transfer points such as park-and-ride lots, transit centers, or malls; and
Riders should wait at bus stops at the very top or very bottom of hills, because buses are often unable to stop for passengers on inclines.

For motorists:

Allow ample time to reach your destination;
Equip your vehicle with all-season tires and carry tire chains;
If you must abandon your vehicle, park it clear of travel lanes to allow sanding trucks to get through. Cars left in travel lanes may be towed and impounded;
Dress for the weather in case you become stranded and have to walk;
Use caution when following a snowplow or sander by allowing at least two car lengths distance; and
Caution children about the dangers of sledding on hilly streets.

Reduced bus service on MLK Holiday

Metro will observe the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. next Monday, Jan. 15. Most Metro bus routes will operate on a regular weekday schedule, but there is reduced service on some peak-commute routes and those serving the University of Washington.

• Reduced service includes cancellation of the following routes: 45, 46, 76, 77, 79, 133, 167, 197, 202, 205, 272, 277, 304, 308 & 373.

• When the University of Washington is not in session, the following routes operate on a weekday schedule with some designated trips canceled: Routes 31, 65, 67, 68, 75, 271, 372 and ST 540. Check timetables for the canceled trips.

• Closure of all Metro business offices, including Metro's Rider Information call center.

Visit Metro Online for more information about holiday closures.

Spot auction set for Jan. 10

photo: popcorn machines among auction items

The next King County Spot Bid auction will take place Wednesday, Jan. 10 and features a wide array of kitchen equipment being surplussed from Qwest Field. In addition to the popcorn poppers and pretzel warmers from the football stadium, there is also retired county property including computers, office furniture, and communications equipment.

The auction is managed by the Fleet Administration Division, and includes both King County surplus and items from other government agencies.

Previews are on auction day only, from 10 a.m. until the start of the bidding process at noon. The auction will take place at Fleet’s warehouse at 707 S. Orcas St., Seattle. For information, photos and driving directions, visit the auction website.

Airport food drive helps out two local programs

photo: workers help out with airport food drive
KCIA employee Rick Hoops, left, assists food bank staff with unloading the donations.

The annual Holiday Food Drive at the King County International Airport (KCIA) netted more than 1,500 lbs. of foodstuffs for the Georgetown Food Bank.

The food drive was organized by employees at KCIA and included participation from 20 tenants at Boeing Field. In addition to the food, more than $450 was also delivered to the food bank. And, an additional $350 was donated for the Adopt-A-Family program sponsored by the Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center.

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Updated: March 06, 2007

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