Several rallies and events planned around Inauguration Day in Seattle may cause delays for transit riders. That includes the Womxn’s March on Seattle  this Saturday that is expected to draw tens of thousands of participants.

King County Metro Transit riders are urged to plan ahead, allow plenty of time and prepare for traffic delays. Marches that are expected to pass through downtown may cause significant delays for buses. Riders also should sign up for Transit Alerts on Metro’s website to keep apprised of reroutes.

While every  effort is made to keep transit customers informed, Metro may not be able to provide real time service updates.depending on the time and the nature of such events. Transit riders are advised to be aware of conditions in their immediate vicinity – such as street closures, detours, police directions, etc. – and be prepared for delays or to make changes to travel plans – such as using a different bus stop or a different route.

What follows is a list of events that may affect traffic and transit service this Friday and Saturday:

Friday, Jan. 20

Inauguration Day Student rally: Seattle Central College plaza, from noon to 3 p.m. — about 250 people are expected to attend.

Immigrant and Refugee Defend Our Rights March: Expected to start with a rally at 1 p.m. at Judkins Park, followed by a march to Westlake Park downtown at 2:30 p.m. About 525 people are expected to attend.

Inauguration Day Demonstration at Westlake Park from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. About 530 people are expected to participate.

Saturday, Jan. 21

Womxn’s March on Seattle: Tens of thousands of participants are expected to attend the event, which will start with a rally at 10 a.m. at Judkins Park. The march is expected to begin at 11 a.m. and proceed to downtown to Seattle Center. King County Metro urges riders to plan for significant delays (see more information).

Ethiopian Orthodox Church Annual Epiphany Procession: The procession will begin from two starting points — at 949 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S. and 5500 S. Roxbury St. at 1 p.m. — and converge at South Roxbury Street and 51st Avenue South and continue south to 11030 E. Marginal Way. The processions return to the churches Sunday at 3 p.m.

Transit users also can follow these tips Friday and Saturday:

  • Plan to arrive early to avoid traffic congestion and full buses.
  • Prepare for overcrowding on buses.
  • Prepare for significant delays during larger events through downtown.
  • Have your transit fare or an ORCA card ready
  • Sign up for Transit Alerts on Metro’s website.