Electric vision: King County working to become first national proving ground for electric vehicles
With the introduction of the nation’s first mass-produced, commercially available electric vehicles less than a year away, King County is working with other municipal leaders to spearhead an effort that could transform the Seattle metropolitan area into a nationwide hub for green-vehicle technology. The county’s Department of Transportation today briefed members of the Metropolitan King County Council on several partnerships in the works with the federal government, other municipalities and private companies – such as Ford Motor Company and Nissan – to bring some of the nation’s cleanest fuels and hybrid-electric technology available to our area. These partnerships come just seven months after the county launched a groundbreaking initiative to develop and test new clean-vehicle technologies and to spur nationwide consumer demand for electric and battery powered vehicles.

Major federal grant, debut of first "RapidRide" bus, set stage for next generation of Metro transit service
As King County Metro Transit grapples with one of the worst revenue shortfalls in its history, the arrival of nearly $14 million in new federal grant money couldn’t have come at a better time. That funding, announced today by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), comes as Metro prepares to road test the latest addition to its fleet – a cost-effective state-of-the-art hybrid bus that will move Metro’s new “RapidRide” service one step closer to reality.

King County Metro Transit's Bus Rapid Transit System
As King County Metro Transit grapples with one of the worst revenue shortfalls in its history, the arrival of nearly $14 million in new federal grant money couldn’t have come at a better time. That funding, announced today by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), comes as Metro prepares to road test the latest addition to its fleet – a cost-effective state-of-the-art hybrid bus that will move Metro’s new “RapidRide” service one step closer to reality.

Metro Transit debuts new tools to keep you in the loop
Metro Transit debuts new tools to keep you in the loop Improved website, alerts help customers keep tabs on service A new online look and two new notification tools unveiled today by King County Metro will help customers stay in touch with the latest transit news and disruptions. A more user-friendly Metro Online home page, a new “KCMetro-Alert” email subscription service and a pilot project called, “Eye on Your Metro Commute” are all designed to keep customers informed of incidents that could cause delays in bus service. These products are part of a series of improvements Metro has committed to delivering following one of the worst winter storm seasons in recent memory. These new services will not provide continuous real-time bus information about every route, but they will alert riders of disruptions that may impact bus service during morning and afternoon commutes. “During this winter’s storms, I received many emails and calls from Metro riders who were frustrated because they were unable to find out when and where buses were running,” Metropolitan King County Council Chair Dow Constantine said. “I spoke out immediately, calling on Metro to use universally available web technology to notify customers of disruptions to regular bus service. I’m pleased that Metro has taken these initial steps to improve communications with bus riders, and I plan to continue working with the agency on these issues in the future.” Wondering how severe weather, multiple downtown Seattle sporting events or a major traffic construction could affect Metro bus service? Then subscribe to KCMetro-Alerts, an online email subscription service that provides general information about major disruptions. When you sign up, news is sent to any email address you specify. You can also view the new transit alert feature by clicking on the “Alerts” quick link on the Metro Online home page. Just as traffic reporters alert motorists of spot problems on roadways, Metro’s own “transit reporters” are launching another online product, “Eye on Your Metro Commute.” As part of the pilot project, they will monitor information coming into Metro’s Transit Control Center during daily morning and afternoon commutes and will share what they are hearing. Our reporters will be looking for spot problems that could delay or disrupt bus service. Those delays could be caused by a major accident, road closure, or significant transit operational issue. Updates will then be posted on Metro Online’s home page. You can also subscribe to an RSS feed to receive the updates on your PC or small-screen mobile device. “Eye on Your Metro Commute” will operate Monday through Friday from 6 a.m.- 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.-7 p.m. The pilot will run through the end of 2009 and may be extended following an evaluation of the service. Redesign of the Metro Online website is a work in progress, but the first phase unveiled today should make information people use most often easier to find. Visitors will now see simpler web design and navigation – and it will be easy to search frequently accessed items such as bus schedules and the ever-popular Trip Planner. Plus, Metro Online now has more space to call attention to news that transit riders need to know. “These improvements and new services are part of Metro’s ongoing commitment to improve communication with customers on many fronts,” Metro General Manager Kevin Desmond said. “Products and services, such as Trip Planner, Metro’s Customer Information phone line and the region’s new ORCA fare card are all intended to make riding Metro as easy and convenient as possible.” As the services are rolled out, Metro will invite feedback from customers in an effort to further refine these tools. For more information about these new products, go to www.kingcounty.gov/metro King County Metro Transit is among the 10 largest bus systems in the nation. Metro buses provide more than 118 million passenger trips a year, and the agency operates some of the largest commuter vanpool and park-and-ride programs in the country. It is also recognized as a leader in reducing pollution with its use of clean-burning fuels, electric trolleys, and hybrid buses. Metro customers consistently give the agency high marks for friendly, on-time service.

Metro hosts national transit conference & international bus roadeo
The American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Bus and Paratransit Conference, and the International Bus Roadeo will bring hundreds of people to Seattle to learn about the latest information on critical topics affecting the bus and paratransit industry, participate in technical tours for a behind-the-scenes look at local transit operations, and view cutting-edge vehicles, products and services.

Metro urges bus riders to prepare for I-90 slowdowns
Starting Monday, May 4 the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will close the HOV express lanes on the Interstate 90 bridge across Lake Washington around the clock for up to three weeks. This is likely to cause significant delays for all traffic – including buses and carpools.

ORCA smart card limited rollout gets underway
Traveling the Puget Sound region by bus, train and ferry will get even easier this spring and summer with the arrival of ORCA—One Regional Card for All.

Metro Transit ready to top 3 billion passengers on Tuesday
King County Metro Transit is on target to record its 3 billionth passenger boarding on Tuesday, March 31. Metro staff will be thanking customers during the Tuesday morning commute by handing out commemorative “3 Billion Served” buttons.

Are you Metro’s 3 billionth passenger?
King County Metro Transit is counting down the days – and the passengers – until next Tuesday, March 31. That is the day Metro expects to record its 3 billionth passenger boarding since beginning operations in January 1973.

King County launches annual roadside weed control program
The King County Road Services Division is scheduled to begin its roadside weed control program May 4, 2009. Residents who do not want crews to spray county right-of-way that abuts their property may post “owner will maintain” signs, but must sign an agreement with the county to maintain the right-of-way themselves. Agreements must be completed and returned to the Roads Services Division by April 30 before signs can be issued.