King County Metro and Sound Transit are seeking feedback from Eastside residents and commuters on the future bus and Link light rail network. The Link light rail will have developed 10 new stations by 2023, with proposed changes and improvements to over 50 Metro and Sound Transit bus routes.
Following over one year of building off of public input, Metro and Sound Transit launched a “Proposed Network Survey” where the public is invited to provide input on the refined proposals. Phase 2 of engagement was conducted from Sept. 13 to Oct. 25, 2021, where Metro and Sound Transit communicated with over 2,000 community members. Metro sought assistance from a 27-member community Mobility Board that was made up of individuals who live, work and travel in the Eastside.
For engagement tactics, Metro and Sound Transit found common themes regarding future rider priorities: create more connections, create fast and easy transfers, enhance service outside of peak travel times and on weekends, and maintain travel times and frequent service.
The upcoming 2 Line of Sound Transit will connect the Eastside and Seattle. Metro and Sound Transit are proposing investments and improvements for 23 bus routes to those stations. According to King County Metro, two additional 2 Line stations will open in Redmond in 2024, which will total 26 bus routes.
By 2024, the 62-mile network will connect Redmond, Federal Way and Lynnwood to Bellevue and Seattle. The light rail will be made up of four car trains that run up to 55 mph every 8 minutes during rush hour travel and can move 800 people at a time. All Link 2 Line stations will also be ADA accessible.
Service changes have been proposed in Bellevue, Bothell, Clyde Hill, Duvall, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Medina, Mercer Island, Newcastle, Redmond, Renton, Sammamish, Shoreline, Seattle (Central District and Judkins Park), Woodinville and Yarrow Point.
Metro and Sound Transit encourages those who live, work, or travel in the Eastside to review and provide feedback on service concepts by visiting https://elc.participate.online/
Two virtual information sessions will be held this month, which will allow for opportunities for Eastside residents to hear directly from Metro and Sound Transit Service Planners and Community Engagement staff. The first information session will be heldfrom 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 17, and the second one will be held on 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 26.
For the remainder of this winter, Metro and Sound Transit will continue to present updated proposed network of service changes to the public and gather feedback to assist with finalizing the recommended network. Through the summer and fall of 2022, Metro will present the recommended changes to the King County Council.
