The Metropolitan King County Council Monday paved the way for a plan to bring a new mode of travel to east King County that has been moving bus passengers between Tukwila and Federal Way for the last year.
The Council gave its unanimous approval to transit service improvements for 2011-2012 that include the implementation of Eastside “RapidRide” service in Bellevue and Redmond.
“Starting in October, transit riders on the Eastside will have better connections between major Eastside destinations with the arrival of RapidRide B Line and the service reorganizations that complement RapidRide,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, chair of the Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee. “We’ve kept our commitment toward RapidRide and increased transit service on SR520 even as the economy has challenged Metro’s ability to deliver some of the service enhancements expected in voter-approved Transit Now.”
The “B Line” will operate from the Bellevue Transit Center to Redmond Transit Center via Northeast Eighth Street, Crossroads, and Overlake Transit Center. In conjunction with the introduction of the RapidRide service, additional service improvements will provide more frequent all-day connections to Eastside destinations such as Totem Lake, Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond, Crossroads and Eastgate.
“Rapid Ride B Line will provide better linkages to major business centers in Bellevue and Redmond,” said Council Vice Chair Jane Hague. “The short wait times will also make riding the bus a more attractive option for Eastside commuters.”
Rapid Ride is part of the “Transit Now” initiative adopted by voters in 2006. The “B Line” is the second of six RapidRide routes and is scheduled to begin in October. Arriving every 10 minutes during the busiest morning and evening travel hours, the specially-designed buses will have low floors and three doors, so people can get on and off quickly. A new fare payment system will allow riders with passes to pay as they enter any door. The “A Line,” which travels between Tukwila and Federal Way, was launched last fall.
The council adopted an amendment to the plan that would restore some of the bus service to Bellevue College lost in the RapidRide process.
Council Vice Chair Jane Hague offered the amendment last week after students raised concerns during public testimony that the current proposed route were inconvenient for bus riders and would encourage students to drive – only adding to the region’s gridlock.
“Metro needs to take into account major education centers when modifying routes,” said Hague. “Bellevue College is the third largest higher learning institution in the state. It’s important that we listen to these kids and provide them with a viable option to get to school.”
Hague’s amendment revives an alignment of Route 240 proposed as part of the original service changes for the fall, but were changed after being sent to the County Council. With the amendment, Route 240 will now serve Eastgate Park-and-Ride, which closely borders the Bellevue College Campus. Beginning in Renton, the 240 will provide an easy commuter option for south King County students. The route will go into effect in October.
