Head back to school with a Youth ORCA card
This summer, Metro’s Youth Mobility Program was out at back-to-school events at several schools, giving out free Youth ORCA cards.
A Youth ORCA card is more than just a free ride. It gives young people the freedom to get where they need to go, see friends, and join community events with ease. Parents also save time and money when kids can ride safely on their own.
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Sound Transit Youth Conference
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Do you know young people who are curious about how transit works and the people who make it happen?
This is your chance to inspire the next generation of transit leaders!
If you know a young person age 15 to 22 who is curious about a career in transportation, invite them to attend the Sound Transit Youth Conference on October 25 from 9:30 am to 4 pm at Union Station, Seattle.
This interactive event gives youth a behind-the-scenes look at careers in service planning, trades, and more. They will connect with professionals, meet other transit enthusiasts, enjoy lunch, and score exclusive swag!
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Green Jobs Career Conversation with Sustainability Ambassadors
This online event is open to students, Career and Technical Education teachers, and anyone curious about green careers. Get ready to be inspired by professionals who turned their high school dreams into rewarding green careers. Participants can ask questions, learn about the skills needed, and explore many exciting pathways to the world of sustainability!
Sign up today!
Classroom to adventure: learn how to ride safely and confidently
Are your students ready to explore your city? Riding transit opens up a world of opportunities.
That’s why King County Metro offers a Classroom Transit Education Program, a guide to help students ride with confidence. Our fun and interactive transit lessons teach students how to ride safely, plan trips, and travel while caring for the environment.
See what students and teachers are saying about this program:
“Having us practice finding routes really helped!”
“Kids got so much hands-on practice, and they were very engaged!”
King County Metro’s Fall Service Change in full swing
On August 30, King County Metro added more than 900 weekly bus trips. On the Eastside, five new routes connect neighborhoods to Sound Transit’s 2 Line light rail stations, including routes 256, 223, 246. A new Metro Flex service also launched in Overlake, giving riders more flexible access to transit.
Metro also added service on Route 106, which serves Seattle, Skyway, and Renton, with weekend buses running every 15 minutes from 6 am to 7 pm, and early morning trips starting at 5 am.
See the full details at King County Metro Service Change
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Summer look back: Youth Transit Summer Internship
This past summer, Metro hosted a group of 14 student interns aged 15-18 with connections to Renton, Skyway, and Tukwila for a three-week internship program.
Interns learned about transit resources, climate justice, local government, urban planning, and more. They also created content for Metro’s social media; keep an eye out for their upcoming posts by following @kcmetrobus on Instagram.
Metro offers internships for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. Stay tuned for future opportunities in 2026, which will be shared in this newsletter and on our internships webpage.
 Interns spoke with bus operators to learn about their experiences with young riders.
 Interns rode the King County Water Taxi with Metro’s Port Captain.
Fast Track to the city with Sounder trains
Choo-choo!
Got gameday plans? Want to skip traffic and get to your next destination fast?
The Sounder train offers a stress-free ride between Everett, Seattle, Tacoma, and Lakewood, on weekdays and for special events. Settle into your seat, bring your bike, and let the train do the moving while you relax.
Best of all, youth 18 and younger ride for free! Just tap your Youth ORCA card and enjoy your adventure.
Check out the Sounder schedule or upcoming Game Trains
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More Water Taxi service to Vashon Island
Vashon Water Taxi is now sailing six days a week!
There is extra sailing time on Saturday, offering round trips between Pier 50 in Downtown Seattle and Vashon Island, plus a new Friday night sailing at 7:30 pm. This additional service is a pilot program that runs through October 2026, giving you more chances to see friends, visit family, or enjoy a short escape on the island.
Want to plan your next ride? See the Water Taxi to Vashon Island sailing schedule
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RapidRide I Line is on the way to Renton, Kent, and Auburn!
The new RapidRide I Line will launch 17 miles of service in Renton, Kent and Auburn in 2027.
Construction kicks off this fall, and once complete, the I Line will link riders to RapidRide F Line, the Sounder train, Sound Transit express buses, and local Metro routes.
Learn more about RapidRide I Line
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Metro Flex arrives in Overlake!
King County Metro has expanded Metro Flex to Overlake, connecting more communities on the Eastside. With just one tap on the app, riders can book fast, easy trips to local light rail stations, buses, and all your favorite spots. Rides are free for youth 18 and younger.
Metro Flex runs Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7 pm, and Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm, serving Sound Transit’s Overlake Village Link light rail station, Crossroads Bellevue Shopping Center, and Interlake High School.
Download Metro Flex app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or call 206-258-7739 to book a ride.
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