Metro Transit Alert – Many Metro routes are now back to regular operation; expect delays and some canceled trips as Metro operates a regular weekday schedule on Presidents Day while working to recover from weekend snow; click on the map on MetroWinter.com; travel safely

King County, Washington sent this bulletin at 02/15/2021 12:45 PM PST

Metro is operating regular weekday service levels on Presidents Day and has begun the process of restoring service after the weekend snow storms.

Expect delays, some canceled trips and other disruptions during the transition back to regular service.  

Metro suggests that anyone who can avoid traveling do so until roads clear.

What to expect as the weather warms
Metro appreciates customers’ patience while service is disrupted and delayed by weather and road conditions as the weather transitions from snow to rain.

Resulting slick roads, runoff, localized and street flooding, and related operational challenges may continue to cause service disruptions for 24-48 hours.

Not all service is restored immediately or at the same time. Just because streets or stops are clear in some areas doesn’t mean that all areas are equally accessible or navigable.

Every effort is being made to provide expected service levels as soon as possible. Safety is Metro’s highest priority.

Metro will continue to provide updates online and via Transit Alerts and social media.

Metro riders are encouraged to continue to limit travel if possible, be aware of conditions in their immediate area, check for updates, be prepared for delays and disruptions and, most importantly, be safe.

Presidents Day service
On Presidents Day, Monday, February 15, Metro expects to operate on a regular weekday schedule with some possible remaining impacts from this weekend’s snow.

Because there could still be some service impacts remaining from this weekend’s weather event, be aware of conditions in your area and visit Metro’s website, click on the snow area map on MetroWinter.com and check the Metro Matters blog for local transit news, and for updates and information about events and services. 

Metro operation in snow and ice
Some snow routes may be in effect longer than others. If your bus does not have a pre-planned snow route, it is expected to operate via its regular route, however transit service is likely to be significantly delayed due to weather and road conditions. Conditions, service availability and other impacts are subject to change.

To see if your scheduled trip is canceled, text your stop ID to 62550. Cancelations are reported, but other departure time predictions may not be reliable.

Use regularly published timetables as a guide, check Metro’s snow route advisories table for route updates, be aware of conditions in your area and be prepared for delays. Via to Transit service may be temporarily suspended; check the Via app for information.

If roads are slick, transit customers are advised to wait for buses at posted bus stops on flat portions of cleared arterials or at major transfer points, such as park-and-ride lots and transit centers where there may be multiple service options.

Service impacts due to COVID
For the Winter of 2021 Metro is operating with reduced vehicle load capacities and other safety guidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This means that, even where service is operating in snowy or icy conditions, some coaches may be full and unable to accommodate additional passengers at some locations. There is no way to know on a per-trip basis where or when this will happen.

Intending riders who must travel are advised to consider alternative travel times or modes depending on individual needs.

Ride safely

  • Federal law requires wearing a mask at all times while riding transit.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Stay 6 feet from others.
  • Observe and abide by posted directions, signs and decals.

Watch for new or changing information.

Metro news and service
Visit Metro’s website and the Metro Matters blog for news and updates.

Tapping your ORCA card is the fastest and safest way to pay your fare. Visit Metro’s website to learn about managing your ORCA account.

Metro service may be intermittently and temporarily interrupted or rerouted due to weather or events in its service area. See below for information about planning ahead for possible service interruptions.

See below for links to information tools and the websites of other transit agencies.

Transit trip updates
For the scheduled (‘s’) or predicted departure times, and other information about transit service at your stop,

“Real time” transit information may be unavailable or unreliable when transit service is affected by snow or other emergent conditions.

Transit information

Transit service may be interrupted by weather, events or activities
In areas where there are crowds, traffic, weather or events disrupting normal travel patterns or activities, transit riders are advised to be aware of conditions in their immediate vicinity, such as street closures or detours, and be prepared for delays or to make revisions to travel plans, such as using a different bus stop or a different route, based on specific circumstances.

Be prepared for unexpectedly revised traffic or routing, and for delays in transit service. Transit riders are encouraged to know the alternate routes or stops that may be near their starting points and destinations.

Depending on the time and the nature of such events, Metro may not be able to provide real-time information or service updates via email or text.  Event start and end times and other details may be subject to change.

Know before you go
During events that disrupt transit service, online or real time customer information planning tools and third-party apps may not be accurate and may not reflect temporary schedule changes.

Even during disruptive weather or other events, these systems may still provide useful information, such as maps and bus stop information.

Thank you for riding and for using Metro’s services. Be safe.