Summary

Military service members can ride free on King County Metro Transit, Sound Transit and the King County Water Taxi during Seafair Fleet Week, from August 1-6. Service members must be in uniform or show a valid military ID.

Story

Metro Transit, Sound Transit and the King County Water Taxi are proud to participate in the annual Seafair tradition of honoring those who serve their country. Members and former members of the Armed Forces, including active duty, veterans and retirees, can ride free on Metro and Sound Transit buses, Link light rail, Sounder trains and the Vashon and West Seattle Water Taxis during Fleet Week.

Service members not in uniform are asked to show their ID to the transit operator upon boarding, or to fare inspectors if requested. Valid forms of military ID can include a Uniformed Identification Card, a Veteran Health Identification Card, or a DD-214.

Ships from the U.S. Navy, U.S Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy are expected to sail into Seattle for Fleet Week and dock along the waterfront for the public to tour and enjoy. More information on Fleet Week and the Parade of Ships is available on the Seafair website.

All customers riding Metro and Sound Transit to Seafair activities are reminded to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for travel that may be affected by traffic delays and road closures. Visit Metro’s online Service Advisories page to find out about bus reroutes or other known service disruptions.

Ride transit to the hydros, August 5-6

While there is no Hydro shuttle from Columbia City, Metro will add trips to the Route 50, providing service every 15 minutes on Saturday and Sunday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for passengers traveling to the Albert Lee Cup hydro races. Route 50, which normally operates every 30 minutes, serves Genesee Park near the Stan Sayres Pit on Lake Washington and connects with Link light rail at Columbia City and Othello stations.

Metro is increasing Route 50 bus service this year instead of operating shuttle buses from the Columbia City light rail station. Regular fares are required for non-military riders.

I-90 bridge closure reroutes and shuttles, August 3-6 for the Blue Angels

When the Blue Angels take to Seattle’s skies, all I-90 bus service will be rerouted to State Route 520 during I-90 bridge closures, which affect the eastbound and westbound lanes. Certain I-90 and I-5 ramps also will close 30 minutes to one hour before flight times.

During the I-90 closures, Metro will provide shuttle bus service between the Eastgate and Mercer Island park-and-ride lots. Regular fares are required on the I-90 shuttles for non-military riders.

Sound Transit routes 550 and 554, which normally travel via I-90, will be rerouted to SR 520 and will not serve stops on I-90 at Rainier Avenue South and Mercer Island during the I-90 closures.

 I-90 transit service will be rerouted during the following times and days:

• Thursday, Aug. 3, 9:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.; 1 p.m. – 2:40 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 4, 12:55 p.m. – 2:40 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 5, 12:55 p.m. – 2:40 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 6, 12:55 p.m. – 2:40 p.m.

NOTE: WSDOT has I-90 bridge closure information and the Seafair website has event information.

Details about reroutes are on Metro’s Service Advisories page. Sign up for Metro Transit Alerts or Sound Transit Rider Alerts. Visit Metro’s online Trip Planner or call Metro’s Customer Information Office on weekdays at 206-553-3000 to plan transit trips to Seafair events.

RELEVANT LINKS

Metro’s Service Advisories page

Sound Transit Rider Alerts page

King County Water Taxi

I-90 Seafair and Blue Angels Closures

Seafair