King County Metro is set to offer South King County cities better bus service, with the largest service improvements in the county. The expansion, which begins on August 29, will include more frequent trips, expanded service hours, new weekend service, and stronger connections to Link light rail and RapidRide.

Improved Service

The new service will benefit cities such as Kent, Auburn, Renton, and Federal Way. According to King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, this marks the single largest bus service investment in South King County in a generation. The improvements will mean shorter waits, stronger connections, and more opportunities for people to get where they need to go.

Metro General Manager Michelle Allison noted that Metro bus routes connect communities to dozens of light rail stations, extending the reach of public transportation farther than ever before. King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain, whose District 5 includes portions of Kent and Renton, looks forward to the changes, stating that expanding transit access is essential to improving mobility in South King County.

New Routes and Services

Highlights of the new service include new routes, such as Route 164, which will provide frequent service between Des Moines, Kent, and Auburn, and Route 166, which will provide peak-frequent service between Burien and Kent Des Moines Station. Additionally, Metro Flex service will be piloted in Auburn and Federal Way, providing on-demand rides that connect people with neighborhoods, transit hubs, and other local destinations.

Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.