News from King County Department of Transportation
Release date:  Jan. 4, 2008

Metro looking for feedback on West Seattle RapidRide

King County Metro Transit is hosting several gatherings to solicit community ideas as it works in coordination with the City of Seattle to design new RapidRide bus service connecting West Seattle and downtown Seattle.

The new streamlined bus service is scheduled to begin in 2011, and is funded by the Transit Now initiative approved by voters in 2006. The West Seattle RapidRide line would replace Metro's current Route 54 along Fauntleroy Way Southwest and California Avenue Southwest, between Fauntleroy and downtown Seattle via the Alaska Junction. It is one of five planned RapidRide lines in King County.

Metro’s initial plans call for buses to arrive on the route every 10 minutes during the busiest morning and evening travel hours, and every 15 minutes during midday and evening hours. The new-style buses will have low floors and three doors to speed up boarding, with limited stops to make RapidRide trips faster.

The upcoming open houses and information tables for the West Seattle service will be:

Thursday, Jan. 24, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
The Hall at Fauntleroy, Vashon Room, 9131 California Ave. SW

Tuesday, Jan. 29, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
West Seattle Senior Center Multi-Purpose Room, 4217 SW Oregon St.

Wednesday, Jan. 30, Noon-3:00 p.m.
West Seattle Senior Center Multi-Purpose Room, 4217 SW Oregon St.

At the meetings, people can get more information about RapidRide plans and talk to Metro staff. Comments will be collected at the meetings, or by one of the following methods:

• Fill out an online questionnaire;
• Send by email;
• Mail to: King County Department of Transportation, Community Relations, KSC-TR-0824, 201 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104;
• Or, call to record your comments on a phone message line at (206) 684-1146.

All comments are due by Friday, Feb. 1. More information about the Eastside RapidRide plans is available online.