King County Metro Will Reduce Service, Starting Monday

SEATTLE, WA — King County Metro plans to temporarily reduce trips across most routes, and halt service entirely on some, noting a significant drop in ridership in the days since widespread efforts began to slow the spread of the new coronavirus in Washington.

Metro said the planned route reductions would affect how often buses run and what hours they are active, but there are no plans to reduce staffing.

Gov. Jay Inslee first issued a ban on large gatherings and events in three counties last Wednesday, before expanding the mandate statewide Friday. By Monday, March 16, Inslee amended the order to include gatherings of 50 or more and ordered the closure of bars, gyms and other recreational facilities, while limiting restaurants to take-out and dining options.

The governor and public health officials have urged Washingtonians to work remotely as much as possible and limit all unnecessary public activities to help "flatten the curve" and save lives.

According to transit officials, Metro ridership had already dropped by 45 percent Thursday, March 12, with approximately 185,000 fewer passengers riding buses compared to a normal day.

"While the majority of our passengers have other transportation options and choose transit, many of our colleagues, friends, and neighbors rely even more heavily — or perhaps exclusively — upon transit," Metro officials wrote in a news release. "We do not make these decisions lightly and have designed the reductions to maintain some service on as many routes as possible."

Since the outbreak began, all King County Metro buses have undergone daily disinfections and fare enforcement practices have been suspended.

Metro said more comprehensive details on the routes affected would be shared by Friday, and transit officials were in talks with community groups to determine the best way to serve riders with limited options.