New Metro Transit Fare Costlier For Some, Convenient For Others

RENTON, WA - The King County Council on Monday unanimously approved a new fare structure for King County Metro Transit bus rides. The new structure eliminates fare zones, which means riders far outside Seattle will pay less, but some riders inside Seattle will pay 25 cents more.

The new flat fare is $2.75 - no matter what time of day you ride, no matter where you catch the bus. That's 25 cents more than the off-peak fare of $2.50, and the same as an on-peak bus ride inside the city of Seattle. On-peak fares are as high as $3.25 for riders far outside Seattle.

County Executive Dow Constantine proposed the $2.75 flat fare in August. In announcing the change, he said Metro Transit has one of the "most complex fare structures" in the U.S.

"Whether you're traveling between Ballard and Bellevue, White Center and Westlake, or anywhere that crosses the Seattle city limits, this new fare means money in your pocket," he said.

The county estimates that 65 percent of regular riders will not be affected by the change. An estimated 35 percent of riders will see the 25-cent increase.

Image via King County Metro Transit