More bus service on major routes throughout the county thanks to new transit partnerships

Council approves “Transit Now” agreements that increase service hours

Bus riders will enjoy more frequent service on major bus routes throughout King County thanks to new partnership agreements between Metro Transit, businesses and local cities approved today by the Metropolitan King County Council. The agreements are implemented as part of the voter-approved “Transit Now” initiative.

“This innovative partnership program allows Metro to leverage scarce tax dollars and get more bus service to people who need it,” said Councilmember Dow Constantine, Chair of the Council’s Transportation Committee. “These programs will improve and increase bus service on key urban corridors throughout King County.”

“Congestion relief must be the top concern for all regional governments around the transportation-challenged Puget Sound area,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Vice-Chair of the Transportation Committee. “Today’s approval of the ‘Transit Now’ agreements marks a positive step in our continued efforts to provide regional traffic congestion relief through increased transportation options out of our busiest urban corridors.”

“Transit Now” set aside 90,000 hours of bus service for service partnerships, with the goal of increasing transit service on major urban corridors. Financial partnerships provide matching funds so that Metro Transit can increase bus service on designated routes. The 14 financial partnerships will underwrite an estimated 41,000 hours of additional transit service.

“With these partnerships we are able to stretch the tax-payer’s dollars and provide transit to areas that need the most relief,” said Council Chair Julia Patterson.

“Bus service should be an attractive and effective alternative to driving, and overcrowded buses do not serve that goal. By giving these partnerships the green light today, the Council took a major step towards providing King County residents with more frequent and reliable bus service,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson, who is a member of the Transportation Committee and vice-chair of the Regional Transit Committee.

“This partnership program is a great example of leveraging county funds through partnerships with obvious entities,” said Councilmember Jane Hague. “Today's vote demonstrates the Council's commitment to fulfilling the promises made to voters when they approved the Transit Now program.”

The Council also approved two speed and reliability partnerships, aimed at moving buses faster on key corridors by giving them priority for green lights at intersections, and making other capital investments designed to improve transit speed.

The partnerships with local governments and private businesses also promote transit service to encourage more people to ride the bus.

“The partnership program is an innovative way to involve businesses, cities and the broader community to expand our transportation system. With the amazing ridership growth we have witnessed in the past few years, there will be a definite need for more resources in the years to come,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn, chair of the Regional Transit Committee. “Partnerships may be a way that we can grow the bus system without growing our tax base. For now the current partnerships will put a lot of much needed service on the streets right away and that’s a very good thing.”

“I’m excited to have more bus hours coming to the Eastside,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “As gas prices increase, we need to expand the transportation options available.”

“These partnerships are a creative way to stretch scarce transit dollars a little further,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “Transit ridership is growing rapidly throughout the region, and I’m pleased that the program attracted partners from all over the county. In Seattle, where overcrowded buses are leaving passengers at the curb and citizens have a voracious appetite for more service, the city’s partnership with Metro will bring needed relief.”

“My district is already seeing the benefit of a transit partnership between Metro and Children’s Hospital that has increased service to that vital facility,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett. “Increasing transit options was one of the goals of Transit Now. These partnerships fulfill that goal.”


Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system. Type in “2008-0118”