Summary

A program funded in King County’s 2015-2016 budget will provide Metro with greater flexibility to meet the specific transit needs of local communities. It will expand alternatives to fixed-route bus service, such as shuttles, rideshares, community vans, and bicycles.

Story

King County Metro next year will expand alternatives to fixed-route bus service—including shuttles, rideshares, community vans, and bicycles—to meet the local needs of communities. Executive Dow Constantine recommended funding the Alternative Services Program in the 2015-2016 budget, which the Metropolitan King County Council approved today.

“Innovative approaches like this demonstrate Metro’s increasing ability to be nimble and responsive to local needs,” said Executive Constantine. “Expanding the Alternative Service Program will give us greater flexibility to deliver customized transit service.”

King County’s 2015-2016 budget will provide $12 million to fund the program for the next two years. Metro will work with cities, nonprofits, and community groups to assess local service needs and preferences.

The program will initially focus on communities where bus service was most significantly reduced in September. The Snoqualmie Valley, Vashon Island, and Southeast King County have already been identified as candidates. The funds approved in the 2015-2016 budget will allow the program to reach out to additional communities.

The Alternative Service Program builds upon King County’s existing Transit Alternative Services Plan, which is designed to provide more tailor-made services that meet the specific needs of local communities.

Relevant links

• INFOGRAPHIC: Why Metro Matters   Image
• Metro's Alternative Service Delivery
• Metro Transit's Strategic Plan for 2011-2021

Quotes

Innovative approaches like this demonstrate Metro’s increasing ability to be nimble and responsive to local needs. Expanding the Alternative Service Program will give us greater flexibility to deliver customized transit service.

Our regional transit system is not a one-size-fits all service. Our alternative services program will help address geographic and social equity needs.

I am very encouraged by Metro’s innovation that right-sizes service in different areas of the county. This approach is an efficient use of tax dollars and provides better and more consistent service to residents in outlying and hard-to-reach areas. I know that the right-sizing pilot project in the Snoqualmie Valley is both successful and well received by the residents. It’s important in this time of limited resources to think outside the box when providing needed services.

For more information, contact:

Rochelle Ogershok, rochelle.ogershok@kingcounty.gov, 206-477-3838