King County, WA —Today, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay transmitted legislation to the King County Council proposing major updates to Metro bus service across South King County as part of the multi-year South Link Connections project. 

The proposal builds on the recent opening of the Kent-Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way Downtown Link light rail stations and would create a more connected, reliable transit network serving Algona, Auburn, Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Normandy Park, Pacific, SeaTac, Tukwila, and nearby unincorporated areas. 

If approved, the new service would launch as part of Metro’s August 2026 service change. 

With new light rail service now in place, the proposal would align Metro bus routes to better connect riders to Link, expand service throughout the day and week, and reinvest resources into routes that serve the most riders. 

“South King County is one of the fastest-growing parts of our region, and we have a responsibility to make sure our transit system keeps pace,” said King County Executive Zahilay. “This proposal reflects the voices of our residents and my administration’s commitment to building a transit network that connects people to opportunity, supports our region’s growth, and makes it easier to get around without a car. By aligning our bus network with light rail and expanding all-day service, we’re delivering the reliable, connected transit system our communities deserve.”   

Building a network shaped by community input 

The South Link Connections proposal is the result of nearly two years of collaboration, community engagement, and technical analysis in partnership with local governments, Sound Transit, and regional transit providers. Community feedback consistently called for: 

• Better early morning and late-night service 

• More frequent weekend service 

• Faster east-west travel 

• Stronger connections to Link light rail 

This proposal is designed to deliver on those priorities while modernizing the transit network to reflect how people travel today. The plan reinvests service from select peak-only commuter routes into more frequent, all-day, all-week service across South King County, with more trips earlier in the morning, later at night, and throughout the day. Highlights include:  

More frequent service  

More frequent service throughout the week would significantly increase service across the region, including: 

• 51% more weekday trips 

• 57% more Saturday trips 

• Nearly twice as many Sunday trips 

Stronger connections to light rail 

New and improved bus connections to: 

• Kent-Des Moines Station 

• Star Lake Station 

• Federal Way Downtown Station 

These connections would make it easier for riders to access Link light rail, ST Express buses, Pierce Transit services, and the broader regional transit network. 

East-West mobility 

The proposal strengthens east-west routes — a top community priority — including frequent service connecting: 

• Highline College, Kent Station, and Green River College 

• Twin Lakes Park & Ride, Federal Way Downtown Station, and Auburn Station 

Weekend and evening service  

New and expanded service would improve access outside traditional commute hours, including: 

• New weekend service in Burien 

• New Sunday service between Kent, Star Lake and Federal Way 

• Earlier, later and more frequent service across multiple key routes 

• Restoration of peak-hour trips between Burien Transit Center and downtown Seattle 

New on-demand transit pilots 

Two new Metro Flex pilot zones providing weekday service from 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM in Federal Way and Auburn. 

“Year after year we have invested in and improved access to the regional transit network, and community voices are the center of our effort to improve bus service,” King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison said. “Riders want more frequent east-west bus service, better service on nights and weekends, and better connections to 1 Line stations. This project delivers more service for those who depend on transit.” 

The King County Council will now review and consider the Executive’s legislation in the coming months, including committee review and opportunities for public input. If approved by the Council, Metro will begin implementing the new service, with changes scheduled to take effect as part of Metro’s August 2026 service change. 

“This plan champions a transit system designed to serve everyone, everywhere, every day, not just peak-hour commuters," wrote the community-based Mobility Board in support of the proposed bus changes. “By reinvesting resources from low-productivity or duplicative peak-only routes into all-day, all-week service, the proposal expands access to frequent transit, improves connections to new Link stations, and delivers tangible benefits to equity priority populations across the South King County subarea.” 

For more information on the South Link Connections Project visit the project webpage.