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Metro preparing for icy commute

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Transportation


Metro preparing for icy commute

Summary

If cold weather and difficult travel conditions persist into the Tuesday morning commute, Metro may substitute other available buses in place of articulated electric trolley buses in the Seattle area. That move provides service using buses that are better able to operate during winter weather but could reduce the number of bus trips during the commute.

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Some bus service may be reduced; sign up for alerts

If cold weather and difficult travel conditions persist into the Tuesday morning commute, Metro Transit may substitute other available buses in place of articulated electric trolley buses in the Seattle area. That move provides service using buses that are better able to operate during winter weather but could reduce the number of bus trips during the commute.

Metro is monitoring the forecast and changing conditions overnight and will determine if this step is necessary. Riders should prepare for possible service delays and crowding Tuesday morning in case some bus trips are canceled or rerouted, and road conditions make travel more difficult.

Travel conditions are expected to be a challenge until warming temperatures predicted in forecasts arrive later.

For riders:

  • Sign up to receive Transit Alerts for the routes you use.
  • Check the print and online timetables for snow route maps.
  • If the weather is bad, check the color-coded status map on Metro Online before you travel.
  • Be patient. Buses are not always on schedule in snowy or icy conditions. Increased ridership during bad weather can result in crowded buses and a longer-than-usual wait on the phone for the Customer Information 206-553-3000.
  • Your favorite smartphone apps and online trackers may not be reliable when buses are rerouted or significantly delayed.
  • Dress warmly for the walk to the bus stop, expect delays, and wear appropriate footwear for the weather.
  • Head for bus stops on main arterials or at major transfer points such as park-and-ride lots, transit centers, or shopping centers.
  • Riders should wait at bus stops at the very top or very bottom of hills, because buses are often unable to stop for passengers on inclines.


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