King County DOT To Host Neighborhood Meetings On New Metro Changes

Come September of next year, many commuters around Seattle will see a change in their existing bus service—a change King County Department of Transportation wants you to be a part of.

In September 2012 Metro will launch the new RapidRide C and D lines to help improve the existing transit system. The new lines will provide more connections to jobs, schools and other destinations in Seattle, Shoreline, Burien, Tukwila, SeaTac and Des Moines.

Before the proposed changes are finalized, King County DOT will be hosting a number of public meetings, community partner conversations and information tables throughout November to get feedback on the proposed concepts.

Public Meeting Dates:

Nov. 2: Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., 12-2:00 p.m.

Nov. 3: Adams Elementary School, 6110 28th Ave. NW, 7:00-9:00 pm.

Nov. 7: Catharine Blaine Elementary, 2550 34th Ave. W, 6:30-8:30 pm.

Nov. 9: Chief Sealth High School, 2600 SW Thistle St., 6:30 –8:30 p.m.

Nov. 14: Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N 85th St., 6:30—8:30 p.m.

Nov. 15: South Park Neighborhood Center, 8201 10th Ave. S, 6:30—8:30 p.m.

Nov. 17: Madison Middle School, 3429 45th Ave. SW, 6:30—8:30 p.m.

RapidRide C Line

The RapidRide C line will serve West Seattle neighborhoods and replace Metro’s Route 54. The C Line will give riders more frequent connections all day to Washington State Ferries serving Vashon Island and Southworth. The line will also provide convenient connections to other West Seattle bus routes between Westwood and the West Seattle Bridge.

RapidRide D Line

The RapidRide D line will help serve Crown Hill and Downtown Seattle neighborhoods via Ballard, Interbay, Uptown Queen Anne and Belltown. The D Line will also provide convenient connections to other major transfer spots, such as NW 85th Street, NW Market Street, Leary Way NW, W Prospect Street, Queen Anne Avenue N and Downtown Seattle.

RapidRide Features

RapidRide service is being designed to keep people moving throughout the day, giving riders more frequent, fast connections between residential areas and key destinations, including major employers, stores and schools. Buses are scheduled to arrive every 10 minutes during the busiest morning and evening hours.

RapidRide buses are high capacity, low-emission hybrid-powered vehicles with low floors and three doors to ensure faster boarding. A new proof-of-payment system will allow passengers with ORCA cards to pay at the station and board at any door.

RapidRide shelters will also look different from regular Metro bus stops, with a specific red, yellow and black color scheme, well-lit shelters and stop-request signals.

For more information on RapidRide lines, visit King County Metro’s website and blog.