As part of the 2026-27 budget, King County Executive Shannon Braddock has proposed more than 400,000 additional hours of Metro bus service and $4 billion towards across Metro’s transit, safety, and climate initiatives. The budget aims to increase bus and water taxi service, expand Metro Flex, and improve Access Paratransit, while supporting new RapidRide lines and connections to Sound Transit Link light rail. 

Investments also focus on safety, cleaner buses and stops, and zero-emission buses with the upcoming Tukwila Base. The King County Council is expected to review and adopt the budget in November.

Learn more about the proposed budget and upcoming council discussions. 

King County Metro is implementing new safety and security measures to enhance the experience for both riders and employees. The agency’s updated plan focuses on strengthening partnerships, expanding ambassador and behavioral health programs, and upgrading operator protections across the system. 

Metro will install safety partitions on buses, provide additional training for frontline staff, and make it easier for riders to report incidents. Several of these improvements are included in the proposed budget to ensure that key safety measures become permanent investments.

Learn more about Metro’s upcoming security improvements.

Effective October 20, WSDOT implemented new toll rules on the SR 167 express toll lanes between Renton and Puyallup.  New cameras and equipment now allow drivers without a Good To Go! account to use the express toll lane, with bills sent by mail. Carpoolers can still travel toll-free, but need a Good To Go! account and a Flex Pass set to HOV mode. Motorcycles also require an account and motorcycle pass to ride toll-free. 

SR 167 now features destination pricing, where drivers pay only for the distance they travel, and the toll lane has designated entry and exit points marked by new striping. Drivers can learn more and order a Flex Pass at GoodToGo167.com. 

Meanwhile, the new SR 509 Expressway has opened for the first mile from I-5 to 24th Avenue South in SeaTac. Tolls range from $1.20 to $2.40 depending on the time of day for Good To Go! pass holders. Visit GoodToGo509.com for more details and promo codes for free passes while supplies last.

Learn more about the changes coming SR 167 and SR 509 Expressway. 

The West Seattle Water Taxi concluded its busiest summer since 2019, with over 178,000 riders between June and August. Notable services included Mariners post-game sailings and transportation for the 2025 FIFA Men’s Club World Cup. 

As of October 11, the service has shifted to its fall/winter schedule, operating Monday through Friday with departures every 35 minutes during peak hours and hourly midday sailings. Weekend service continues with hourly departures. Adult fares are $6.25 ($5.25 with an ORCA card), and youth rides remain free. Free Metro shuttles connect riders to Seacrest Park and various West Seattle neighborhoods.

Learn more about Water Taxi schedules, fares, and shuttle connections.