Metro is interested in extending routes 3 and 4 to improve connections and the frequency of service between downtown Seattle, Queen Anne, and Seattle Pacific University. To make this happen, Metro recently partnered with the Seattle Department of Transportation and Seattle Pacific University (SPU) to construct new trolley wire and spaces for buses to layover near Third Avenue West and Nickerson Street by the SPU campus.
Metro is proposing that routes 3 and 4 combine on the same pathway between Queen Anne Avenue North at Boston Street and SPU via Third Avenue West. (See map)
This change helps:
- Increase service between Seattle Pacific University and downtown Seattle from two trips to six trips per hour. Riders would have the choice of routes 3, 4 or 13 – whichever comes first – to make connections.
- Better connect Queen Anne to the University District. Riders would have less wait time between buses when connecting between the 3, 4 or 13 and routes 31 and 32 that provide service to the U District, UW, U Village, and Seattle Children’s.
- Responds to concerns from residents along the neighborhood “loops” of the route 3 and 4 who have expressed concern about idling diesel buses at times, particularly on weekends, when Metro uses diesel buses in place of trolley buses to operate the service.
The change also provides access 24 hours a day, seven days a week to restrooms for bus operators. Comfort station access has been a big issue for Metro over the past few years and is vital to ensure long-term success of our service.
The change would also mean that routes 3 and 4 no longer operate on their unique routing through Queen Anne neighborhoods. The discontinued portions of the routes serve approximately 120-135 (about 1% of the total daily ridership on these routes) people getting on or off the bus on average each day. These riders would need to walk one to six blocks to access bus service. The options for these riders include routes 2, revised route 3, and route 13 depending on where they are coming from to get on or off the bus. If approved, this change would be implemented in March of 2017.
Metro is accepting comments on these changes until June 24, 2016. For questions or to comment, contact Metro’s Supervisor of Service Planning Katie Chalmers at katie.chalmers@kingcounty.gov or (206) 477-5869. Come talk with us in the community. We’re on the agenda of the following groups:
- CANCELLED
June 16, 11:15 – 1 pm, Queen Anne Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, Best Western Executive Inn, 200 Taylor Avenue North (Please note: there is a fee for this event, check the chamber’s website for details.)
- July 6, 7:30 pm, Queen Anne Community Council, Queen Anne Manor, 100 Crockett St.