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RapidRide K Line

Expanding to Kirkland and Bellevue

We’re working to bring new RapidRide service to the Eastside, to provide better, more reliable bus service to communities in Kirkland and Bellevue. Planned for service in 2030, RapidRide K Line will serve the fast-growing communities between Totem Lake Transit Center in Kirkland, downtown Bellevue, and Eastgate Park & Ride in Bellevue.

Public transit is an important part of how we will meet the diverse needs and priorities of our rapidly growing region. As the Eastside communities continue to grow and develop, Metro strives to provide and support better, more reliable service to riders.

Budget restores paused project

Changes to this project are included in King County's proposed budget and work on the project that had been paused in 2020 from budget shortfalls are now included in the budget approved by King County Council. More information on the 2023-2024 budget can be found in our blog post.

READ THE BLOG POST

Project details

The K Line will serve the fast-growing communities between Totem Lake in Kirkland and Bellevue. When RapidRide K Line planned launch in 2030:

  • Buses will come more often and reliably on-time.
  • Metro will add service at night and on weekends.
  • We will upgrade stations with lighting and real-time arrival signs.
  • Better sidewalks, street crossings and pathways will make it easier and safer to get to/from bus stations whether you are walking, rolling or biking.

To serve our many riders

As the Eastside continues to grow, Metro’s service in Kirkland and Bellevue will serve both existing and future communities. K Line will ensure that riders have access to better service for years to come.


To improve connections

K Line will connect riders to other major transit routes in the area, such as Sound Transit’s Link light rail 2 Line, I-405 Stride Bus Rapid Transit, and RapidRide B Line.


To enhance customer experience

RapidRide is designed to be consistently fast, reliable, and frequent while including enhanced stations with more amenities such as real-time arrival information, seating, lighting and shelter. The project will also make it safer for people of all abilities to access stations.

Milestones

  • 2019-EARLY 2020

    Needs assessment:
    Metro engages with community members, community-based organizations and stakeholders, and works with partners to develop a preferred alignment.

  • EARLY TO MID-2020

    Concept development:
    Based on community input, Metro develops the project concepts and considers station locations and capital improvements.

  • LATE 2020

    Feedback on concept:
    Community members, stakeholders, and partners give feedback on a draft concept.

  • LATE 2020-2021

    Recommendations:
    Metro refines design concept and presents final concept to King County Council for adoption.

  • DURING 2022-2025

    Final design and construction:
    Metro builds new stations, sidewalks, and paths, and other elements needed to create a safe, comfortable RapidRide experience.

  • PLANNED 2030

    Service launch:
    RapidRide K Line service begins.

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