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Metro Transit to deliver customized community shuttle service to Burien

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Metro Transit to deliver customized community shuttle service to Burien

Summary

King County Metro Transit, in partnership with the city of Burien, is launching a new shuttle that will restore weekday local service from the Burien Transit Center to destinations such as Gregory Heights, Seahurst and Highline Medical Center.

Story

Riders will have a new way to get around Burien beginning Monday, June 8.

King County Metro Transit, in partnership with the city of Burien, is launching a new shuttle that will restore weekday local service from the Burien Transit Center to destinations such as Gregory Heights, Seahurst and Highline Medical Center. The service will also include flexible service in the Gregory Heights neighborhood.

“This new shuttle is the latest example of how we are delivering customized, flexible transit service that meets the specific needs of communities,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “The route will better connect downtown Burien to important local destinations – including Highline Medical Center – and the rest of King County.”

The Burien Community Shuttle Route 631 replaces the former Route 139, which served the same area but was canceled last September due to low ridership. With the shuttle service, riders will benefit from having a flexible area where they can call ahead to schedule off-route service.

Hopelink will operate the shuttle service under contact with Metro.

"After the elimination of Route 139, I worked with the community to find a new option that restored key service for students and seniors in Burien,” said King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove. “Route 631 is a good step in the right direction to meet our service needs."

“Being able to offer multiple transportation options around critical routes like this one is a win for the City and for King County Metro,” said Burien City Manager Kamuron Gurol. “We encourage our residents and visitors to take full advantage of the service once it’s up and running.”

About the new Burien Community Shuttle – Route 631

  • The shuttle will operate every 30 minutes Monday through Friday from about 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • The route forms a one-way clockwise loop with marked stops from the Burien Transit Center to Highline Medical Center, SW 160th St., 21st Ave. SW and SW 152nd St.
  • The route will provide a midday complement to peak Route 123 between the Gregory Heights/Lake Burien areas and downtown Seattle.
  • From the Burien Transit Center, riders can connect to seven all-day routes and three peak-period express routes to many destinations such as downtown Seattle, Sea-Tac Airport, Highline College, Southcenter and Downtown Bellevue.
  • Riders in the Gregory Heights neighborhood will additionally be able to take advantage of both scheduled marked stops as well as a new flexible service allowing them to call ahead to request a pick-up or drop-off.
  • Standard peak and off-peak fares will be charged.
  • The shuttle will use a new 19 seat “low-floor” vehicle, which speeds boarding when using a lift.
  • The vehicles can accommodate up to two wheelchairs and space for two bicycles. 

The shuttle will operate as a two-year demonstration as part of Metro’s Alternative Services Program.

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