Transit Alert – Metro continues to operate with some service reductions and with fares suspended; wear a mask in public; note service adjustments; allow plenty of time for transit trips; be safe while riding transit

King County, Washington sent this bulletin at 07/05/2020 08:31 PM PDT

Metro service continues to operate with suspended fares and some service reductions. 

All Sound Transit Express bus service – including ST Express bus routes operated by Metro – is now charging a $3.25 flat fare. Link and Sounder trains are charging full fares.

Current Metro operation
While regular Metro service continues to operate without charging fares, most of Metro’s regional transit partners have begun reinstating fares. Check with individual service providers for details.

While some previously reduced Metro service was restored on June 22 - including on the King County Water Taxi, Water Taxi shuttles and the Via to Transit pilot at Othello, Rainier Beach and Tukwila International Blvd stations - some service reductions remain in effect, as do guidelines for staying healthy while riding transit, including wearing face coverings, maintaining 6 feet of distance from others, rear door boarding for most riders and coach capacity and other safety measures.

Metro service may be affected by events
At any time, where there may be planned or unplanned events or crowds, transit riders should be prepared for possible service delays or temporary reroutes in areas where activities may cause traffic, closed streets or detours. Check media sources for news updates and sign up for Transit Alerts to receive information about service disruptions during planned and unplanned events.

While every effort is made to keep transit customers informed, real-time service updates are not always available in quickly changing situations. Transit riders are advised to be aware of conditions in their immediate vicinity – such as street closures, traffic or detours – and be prepared for delays or to make changes to travel plans, such as using a different bus stop or a different route.

‘Reduced Schedule’ operation
Metro’s continuing Reduced Schedule operation helps to maintain a sustainable transit system for necessary trips. A few routes are not affected, some routes are completely canceled and other routes are operating with some trips that are canceled.

Many routes that are either canceled or that have reduced service may also have some alternate service options.

Watch for updates, as conditions are subject to change.

To identify whether a specific trip is operating or canceled, the following tools are available:

  • Visit the check canceled trips tool on the Reduced Schedule page. This page will list each canceled trip.
  • In real time, text your stop ID to 62550 to find the next few departure times at your stop with Text for Departures.  This feature reflects only what is scheduled to operate and does not list planned or scheduled cancelations.
  • Use the ‘Next Departures’ feature in Metro’s Trip Planner website or apps. This feature reflects only what is scheduled to operate and does not list planned or scheduled cancelations.
  • Call 206-553-3000 on weekdays, 6 AM-8 PM.
  • Ask @kcmetrobus on Twitter weekdays, between 6 AM-8 PM

Watch for updates, as conditions are subject to change.

Know before you go

  • Allow plenty of time for your transit trip.
  • Please wear a mask or face covering in all public spaces, including at transit stops and on transit vehicles.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes.
  • Maintain at least 6 feet of distance from other passengers and Metro staff.
  • Be aware of service reductions and coach capacity guidelines.
  • Board and exit by the rear door if you are able to.
  • Do not travel if you are sick.

It’s a good idea to check for a service advisory before you travel.

Event impacts
Besides planned or unexpected activities or events that may disrupt traffic and transit service in Metro’s service area, known construction- or event-related impacts to transit service are posted in Metro’s online Service Advisories table and sent to Transit Alert subscribers. 

Watch media reports for news updates, be aware of conditions in areas in which you are traveling, have an alternate route or stop in mind and allow plenty of time for your travel.

Before traveling, check Next Departures or Text for Departures for the scheduled or predicted times at stops.  Canceled routes and trips have been removed from these systems, so the results will include only what is currently scheduled to operate.  Real time information in customer information systems may be inaccurate during service disruptions.

Other services
Metro customer services
Assistance on Metro’s Customer Information phone line at 206-553-3000 is available during its regular weekday hours of 6:00 AM-8:00 PM for trip planning and general information, and from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM for ORCA transactions and submitting comments.  It is closed on holidays.

Metro’s walk-in fare media sales and lost-and-found offices in Pioneer Square are currently closed until further notice.

ORCA queries and transactions, submitting comments and reporting lost items can all be done on Metro’s website, or you are welcome to call the number above during regular operating hours for assistance.

King County Water Taxis
The King County Water Taxi is operating according to its Winter schedule.

Water Taxi shuttle routes 773 and 775 have been also restored to limited service.

City of Seattle First Hill Streetcar
The City of Seattle First Hill Streetcar is scheduled to operate
- Sunday service on designated holidays
- Monday-Saturday every 20 minutes from 5:30 AM-8:30 PM, with
- Regular Sunday operating hours and schedule on Sundays.

When the First Hill Streetcar is unable to operate due to maintenance or street closures, ride routes 3, 4, 7, 14, 36, 60, 106 or Link light rail to or from areas normally served by the streetcar.

The South Lake Union Streetcar is canceled until further notice.

Link light rail
 Link service is operating every 20 minutes on weekdays, and every 30 minutes on weeknights and weekends.

Information
Visit Metro’s Service Advisories page for information about revised bus service, routing and stops for planned construction or events.  Transit reroute start and end times may be subject to change.

Visit Metro’s online regional Puget Sound Trip Planner to plan travel on transit, and for bus stop, schedule and other information, including predicted times at stops. Real time information in customer information systems may not be available or accurate in areas where service is disrupted due to reroutes or delays.

Before traveling, check Next Departures or Text for Departures for the scheduled or predicted times at stops.  Canceled routes and trips have been removed from these systems, so the results will include only what is currently scheduled to operate.  Real time information in customer information systems may be inaccurate during service disruptions.

King County resources

Other transit agencies

Thank you for wearing a face covering, maintaining appropriate distances in public spaces and for following safety guidelines while riding transit.

Be safe.