Transit Alert – Metro will continue to operate its Emergency Snow Network on Tuesday, 12/28

King County, Washington sent this bulletin at 12/27/2021 05:23 PM PST

King County Metro will continue to operate the Emergency Snow Network Tuesday, December 28, 2021. Riders should visit the Emergency Snow Network webpage to view details about routes in operation and to identify their options. Please note that most routes in the ESN are operating on their snow routing.

Access Paratransit currently provides only lifesaving and emergency trips depending on conditions and availability. On Monday, Access moved to the ESN to mirror bus service. Access’ main objective under the ESN is to provide life-sustaining medical transportation. During this time, customers who are not certified to use Access that need to connect to life-sustaining medical services can call 206-205-5000 to request services between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Access will also be working closely with bus service to help support customers who are stranded due to breakdowns or weather conditions.

On-demand services: Via to Transit in south Seattle and south King County, and Ride Pingo to Transit in Kent are temporarily not operating due to road conditions.

Masks are required on all public transportation.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

The Call Center is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. December 27-December 30 for trip planning and Lost & Found calls, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for ORCA, fare questions and customer comments. The Pass Sales Office and Lost & Found will operate shortened hours Tuesday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Note: For Lost & Found, customers can call Metro Customer Service at 206-553-3000. In-person service is by appointment only, so please call first.

We want to encourage riders to stay safe and take advantage of online and phone tools.

  • To enroll in reduced fare programs:
  • Visit the Reduced Fare portal to apply for ORCA LIFT, Subsidized Annual Pass, Senior and Disabled Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP), and ORCA Youth cards from home at reducedfare.kingcounty.gov.
  • Call Public Health’s CHAP line for help with ORCA LIFT and/or Subsidized Annual Pass applications and renewals at (800) 756-5437.

To load value on ORCA cards, customers can purchase passes or add value to their ORCA e-purse online through the ORCA website, through the call center, or at an ORCA Retail Outlet.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR RIDERS

  • During this period of adverse weather, we encourage people to avoid traveling if possible.
  • Riders who intend to use Metro’s services Tuesday, Dec. 28, should visit the Emergency Snow Network webpage to view details about routes in operation and to identify their options.
  • Posted timetables on Metro’s Schedules and Maps page are a good point of reference for the 60 ESN routes operating, but unforeseen road and weather conditions may result in delays or unplanned reroutes.
  • Customers should be aware that Puget Sound Trip Planner and third-party apps will not reflect ESN service and will not be accurate for planning itineraries on ESN days. However, once riders know which ESN route they want to use, other Puget Sound Trip Planner features, such as maps, bus stop locations, and timetables for ESN routes, are valid. Puget Sound Trip Planner and other apps are still accurate for planning trips or getting schedules for regular service days.

TOOLS TO HELP RIDERS PLAN WINTER TRIPS

  • Visit MetroWinter.com for information on how to travel during snow and other difficult weather. If snow routes are implemented, riders can click on the regional map to access status updates on their routes.
  • Transit Alerts: Riders should sign up or update route subscriptions to receive Transit Alerts via text and email for their bus routes. Routes can change quickly depending on snow accumulations.
  • Real-time updates show whether a bus trip is operating when it’s due to depart or if it’s been canceled.
    • Text for Departures allows riders to text their bus stop number to 62550 and receive the next bus trips headed their way or a cancellation notice. Riders can save 62550 in their phones in advance. Metro’s real-time departure information can become less accurate during a storm and rough road conditions.
    • “Next departures” is available on both the Puget Sound Trip Planner webpage and the Puget Sound Trip Planner App. Riders can check these sites to see whether their trip is reporting its position and estimated arrival time.
  • Follow @kcmetrobus on Twitter to see the latest travel tips and service information.

Relevant Links 

Thank you for riding and using Metro's services.