KING COUNTY, WA – Today, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and King County Metro will be joined by federal, state, and local transit partners, along with community partners, to celebrate a major milestone in expanding fast, reliable, high-quality transit service across South King County. 

The event marks the start of construction on the RapidRide I Line, a new corridor designed to strengthen north–south bus service, connect the cities of Renton, Kent, and Auburn, and improve access to jobs and essential services. The project advances Metro’s commitment to making equitable investments in transit, particularly in historically underserved communities where transit is a daily lifeline for getting to jobs, school, and essential services. 

Upgrading the existing Route 160, the I Line will serve tens of thousands of residents and connect riders to key regional destinations and major employment centers across King County and beyond, making it easier to access opportunity throughout the region. 

The future RapidRide I Line will deliver faster, more frequent service throughout the day including evenings and weekends, while improving reliability and reducing travel times for thousands of riders. It will strengthen connections to existing RapidRide service, Sound Transit routes, Sounder trains, and local bus lines, expanding access to education, employment, recreation, and essential services across South King County. 

Press interested in attending must RSVP to Kbraxton@kingcounty.gov. Press unable to attend can watch a recording of the event on King County TV here.