Metro Transit Alert – Please continue to wear a mask while riding transit; be prepared for possible service disruptions due to events or construction in Metro’s service area; visit Metro’s website for transit news & information; travel safely

King County, Washington sent this bulletin at 07/02/2021 03:01 PM PDT

With the exception of the City of Seattle First Hill and South Lake Union streetcar lines, Metro operates a Sunday schedule on Monday, July 5, in observance of Independence Day. Streetcar service operates on regular weekday schedules on Monday.  For buses, Dart and water taxis, if your service does not normally operate on a Sunday, it will not operate on Monday.

While masks are still required while riding, transit is a great option for getting to and from Summer destinations.

Visit the Metro Matters blog for Metro news, and for updates and information about events and services.

Vehicle capacity load limits are lifted as of July 3
On Saturday, July 3, all Metro service, including buses, Dart vehicles, streetcars and water taxis, will resume operating at full capacity.

Metro’s regional partner transit agencies are following suit in lifting load restrictions.

All public transportation passengers must continue to wear masks while on board transit vehicles and at transit facilities, in compliance with the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mandate. Passengers also must continue to maintain a six-foot distance from bus drivers, except when paying fare.

The following agencies are removing signs or barriers that have blocked off seats during the pandemic: Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, and Washington State Ferries.

There are no other route or schedule changes for Metro service at this time.

Watch for updates as Metro and its partner agencies continue the recovery process.

Service updates
Independence Day
On Monday, July 5, Metro buses and water taxis will operate Sunday service in observance of Independence Day. The First Hill and South Lake Union streetcars will operate according to a regular weekday schedule.  Metro offices will be closed on July 5.

Visit Metro’s website for complete transit information, including comment and lost item forms.

Trailhead Direct
King County Parks and King County Metro are operating Trailhead Direct service for the summer of 2021, featuring the Issaquah Alps and Mt Si routes, with a new Squak Mountain State Park trailhead stop added to the Issaquah Alps route.  Trailhead Direct operates on Monday.

Metro encourages hikers to plan for safety as a first priority, especially in Summer heat.

Metro’s West Seattle Water Taxi

  • Operates the West Seattle route on a Sunday schedule on Monday, July 5
  • Operates seven days a week from Pier 50 downtown to Seacrest Park in West Seattle 
  • Includes later evening sailings every Friday and Saturday  
  • On weekdays, leaves the dock every 35 minutes during peak commute hours and every hour mid-day 

There is no special service for after late-evening sporting events, and no change to the Vashon Water Taxi schedule. The Vashon route does not operate on Monday, July 5.

Check out the Water Taxi Captain’s Blog.

Fare news
Find your fare.

Youth aged 6-18 can now get their first ORCA card free.

The Transit GO Ticket app now accepts cash, available at participating retail locations.

Ride transit to vaccination sites
As vaccination strategies evolve with decreasing emphasis on central mass vaccination sites and a move to smaller “pop-ups” and local sites, use Metro’s online trip planner to plan your transit ride to and from your vaccine.  Enter the address, intersection or associated or nearby location name. Metro’s trip planner has a tutorial and online help.

There are options for senior and youth, and for customers with lower incomes or disabilities. Customers with very low incomes may be eligible for a fully-subsidized ORCA LIFT card. Visit the Fares & ORCA page for information. 

Buses & bikes
Buses and bikes are a perfect pairing for getting around Metro’s service area, and, with a little planning, even around the greater Puget Sound area.

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

Visit Metro’s web portal to find out about applying for reduced fares online and about virtual ‘Neighborhood pop-ups’ for getting more information about Metro.

Summer brings lots of construction and events, and even weather considerations, that could cause planned or unplanned road or street closures, extra traffic, crowds in some areas and other intermittent, temporary or, in some cases, more significant disruptions that could make transit service be delayed or rerouted.

Metro encourages riders to be aware of what is going on in the areas through which they travel, know their travel alternatives and allow plenty of time. Additional information and links to helpful tools and apps are below.

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.

Ride safely

  • Wear a mask while riding on transit.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Observe and abide by posted directions, signs and decals.

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

Watch for new or changing information.

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

Transit information

Transit service may be interrupted by weather, construction, 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.