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SUMMARY
King County Executive Dow Constantine joined the Federal Transit Administration, King County Metro, and other partners to celebrate the signing of an $80 million federal grant to launch the I Line, the newest addition to Metro's RapidRide network set to serve communities in Renton, Kent, and Auburn.
STORY
King County Executive Dow Constantine joined the Federal Transportation Administration, King County Metro, and other partners to celebrate the signing of an $80 million federal grant to build the I Line, the newest RapidRide route set to connect more cities in South King County including Renton, Kent, and Auburn.
The RapidRide I Line, scheduled to begin service in 2027, will enhance the current Route 160, formerly Route 169 and 180, between Auburn Station and downtown Renton. RapidRide lines deliver quick, efficient, and reliable service, and carry more riders than any other Metro bus routes.
“The RapidRide I Line represents another milestone in the expansion of King County’s high-capacity transit network,” said Executive Constantine. “This new service will provide fast, frequent connections for our growing South King County communities, making it easier for people in Renton, Kent, and Auburn to get where they need to go, when they need to be there.”
“The RapidRide I Line will provide cleaner, faster bus service for thousands of riders in southern King County, serving some of the most transit-dependent communities in the region,” said FTA Region 10 Administrator Susan Fletcher. “FTA is pleased to continue to support King County Metro as it delivers new high-capacity transit projects, upgrades bus storage and charging infrastructure, and increases access to jobs and opportunities."
“I’m thrilled to announce nearly $80 million in federal funding for the RapidRide I Line expansion project — this is going to make a big difference for people across South King County, delivering more reliable public transit to help people get where they need to go,” said U.S. Senator Patty Murray. “As South King County continues to grow, the need for better and more efficient public transit grows too — that’s why I work hard every year to secure as much funding as I can for programs like Capital Investment Grants, which is making the I Line expansion project a reality. I look forward to watching these funds be put to work so that folks in Renton, Kent, and Auburn have more options to get around — and as the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’ll keep fighting for more investments in public transit, which folks across Washington state continue to make clear is a top priority.”
"I celebrate this new funding coming to South King County to provide faster, more reliable bus service to people across Washington's Ninth District," said U.S. Rep. Adam Smith. "Greater transit options improve access to jobs, schools, and neighbors. I look forward to this funding making a difference in the lives of residents across Renton, Kent, and Auburn."
A new era of transit
The RapidRide program meets the region’s growing need for fast and frequent public transportation, providing a higher level of service than regular buses. RapidRide routes feature dedicated bus lanes, signal priority, and run every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes on weekends, ensuring passengers get to their destinations more quickly.
RapidRide also helps ensure people can access school, jobs, medical care, and other services without relying on expensive rideshares or private vehicles.
The new I Line will significantly improve transportation options in South King County, providing enhanced connections to the Sounder train at both the Kent and Auburn stations.
“This is an exciting day for South King County!” said King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove. “The $80 million federal investment in the RapidRide I Line is a game-changer for our communities in Renton, Kent, and Auburn. Reliable, efficient, and accessible public transit is essential to connecting people to jobs, schools, and services while reducing traffic congestion and emissions.”
“Metro’s RapidRide I Line will make it easier to board, easier to pay and will ensure more buses per hour to support riders in Renton, Kent, and Auburn,” said Metro General Manager Michelle Allison. “We know this will encourage even more people to climb on board. We are very excited to expand our transit options in South King County.”
Expanding RapidRide transit also has significant economic and environmental benefits. This includes reducing the need for parking and fostering more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly communities, as well as easing traffic congestion with fewer cars on the road — contributing to cleaner air and a greener future.
The road ahead
The RapidRide network is continuing to grow. The J Line (connecting downtown Seattle, the Eastlake corridor, and the University District) is currently under construction, and the K Line (Bellevue to Kirkland) and R Line (through Seattle’s Rainier Valley) are in the planning phases.
By investing in RapidRide, Metro is building a future where transportation is accessible, efficient, and equitable for all, making it easier than ever to move throughout the region.
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