Renton-Kent-Auburn Mobility - Programs & Projects - King County Metro Transit

Changes to fixed-route service will begin in September 2020 and the RapidRide I Line will begin service in 2023.

Goals: Deliver an upgraded, integrated mobility network with fixed-route network changes in September 2020, including a new frequent route between Renton, Kent, and Auburn that will be upgraded to the RapidRide I Line in 2023.

Areas: Algona, Auburn, Covington, Kent, Pacific, Renton, and Tukwila

Affected routes: 102, 105, 148, 158, 159, 164, 166, 168, 169, 180, 183, 186, 190, 192, 906, 908, 910, 913, 915, 916, 917, 952

New flexible service may also be added in these areas: Renton Highlands, Benson Hill, and Algona/Pacific.

Recommended changes by route

Add service frequency to routes: 105, 164, 166, 168, 906, 914, 915, 916, 917 and 180 (from Auburn Station to Kent Station)
Pathway changes to routes: 148, 164, 166, 168, 190, 192, 906, 914 and 917
Restructuring these routes with new route numbers: 158, 159, 164, 166, 169, 180, 186 and 916
Delete these routes: 192, 908, 910, 913 and 952
Reduction of low-performing trips: 102, 158 and 159
New routes: 160, 161, 162, 165 and 184

Changes by route for 2020

Final changes will be posted in Spring 2020.

What won't change

Under the recommendations, some existing mobility services would remain unchanged in the Renton, Kent and Auburn areas:

Access Transportation service for qualified riders with disabilities
Rideshare services
Many major bus routes

Renton, Kent, Auburn Mobility Board

We recruited community members who live, work, and travel within north Renton, Kent, Auburn, and surrounding communities to advise Metro about potential service changes and proposals as well as our community outreach process.

Board members attended regular meetings. Meetings were open to the public.

Timeline

MARCH – MAY 2019 Identified community stakeholders, needs, and priorities. Metro collected quantitative and qualitative data and identified several barriers to transit use, as well as several improvements that would encourage more transit use.
JUNE – SEPTEMBER 2019 Developed proposed concepts for change and engagened public through surveys, on board engagement, and at community events. Almost 1,000 riders provided feedback and comments on the proposed concepts.
SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER 2019 Metro presented a proposed network of service changes to the public and gathered feedback through online and onboard surveys and at community events.
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2019 Metro finalized a recommended network based on public input and the Mobility Board’s recommendation.
SPRING 2020 King County Council reviews and votes on Metro’s recommendation.
SEPTEMBER 2020 Adopted changes to scheduled bus service take effect with Metro's September service change.