(Editor’s Note: Updated at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to show Water Taxi shuttles 773 and 775 and other DART shuttles including some DART service.)
Due to persistent dangerous roadway conditions and a forecast for ongoing freezing temperatures and two more snow storms, King County Executive Dow Constantine directed Metro to continue to operate only routes on its Emergency Snow Network (ESN) on both Monday, Feb. 11, and Tuesday, Feb. 12.
This will provide weekday service levels focused on only 67 high-ridership routes and shuttles to maintain reliability. Metro continues to operate ESN service today, Feb. 10, using Sunday schedules.
Facing unpredictable weather conditions and travel delays, Metro encourages commuters across the region to allow for another 30-60 minutes in their travel schedules and prepare alternate travel plans if their route is not in service, and connect to Link light rail service where possible. Riders should be prepared for crowding and potentially longer waits at bus stops.
“The region continues to face challenging road conditions, freezing temperatures and a forecast that keeps bringing more and more snow,” said King County Metro General Manager Rob Gannon. “We’re working to provide customers with reliable bus service on an identified network of core routes, and asking riders to prepare for limited transit service until roadway conditions improve and we are out of this cycle of severe winter weather.”
Several more inches of snow are expected and riders are encouraged to monitor weather conditions in their community prior to traveling. Riders also are asked to carefully review their available travel options on the 67 routes and shuttles that will be operating. Buses will be following their posted snow routing except in the event that conditions require taking different streets.
For those who can, Metro is encouraging people to consider opportunities to work from home or flex work schedules on Monday and Tuesday and for as many days as this winter weather persists and affects Metro’s ability to operate safely. This also frees up space on buses for riders who do not have the ability to stay home or change their schedules.
Metro activated its ESN at 4 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, and will continue until further notice. Metro’s chained bus fleet has operated for two days on these core routes, which primarily serve key arterials and transit centers in many parts of King County.
The National Weather Service warns of additional weather systems bringing several inches of snow and ongoing freezing temperatures Sunday, Monday and into Tuesday. Metro is monitoring forecasts and roadway conditions to determine whether it is safe and possible to return to a higher level of service and operate a larger network of transit service via snow routes.
Emergency Snow Network
The ESN prioritizes high-ridership routes and serves areas that avoid steep hills. The routes were developed in coordination and collaboration with the City of Seattle and other jurisdictions to follow designated snow plow plans.
Routes operating as part of the ESN will serve core centers around King County, via routes 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 21, 24, 24 shuttle, 31, 32, 36, 40, 41, 44, 45, 48, 62, 62 shuttle, 65, 70, 75, 90 shuttle, 101, 102 shuttle, 106, 106 shuttle, 120, 124, 128, 150, 166, 168, 169, 180, 181, 235, 245, 248, 252/255 shuttle, 255, 255 shuttle, 271, 331, 345, 348, 348 shuttle, 372 Woodinville and 372 Lake City, ST 522, ST 545, ST 550, ST 554, ST 554 shuttle, 773, 775, 903, 906, 907, 930, 931, RapidRide A, B, C, D, E and F lines.
View a PDF of the map here.
Metro is monitoring performance of this network and will make adjustments as needed to improve operations. Customers in outlying areas and neighborhoods should prepare for reduced or temporarily unavailable bus service for several days due to inclement weather, difficult travel conditions and topography. Ride2 West Seattle and Eastgate will not operate on Monday and Tuesday.
Maintenance crews continue to switch between chaining operations and troubleshooting and repairing buses damaged by operating in winter weather.
Emergency Snow Network- Access
Access Services will also move to the ESN to mirror fixed route services. Access’ main objective under the ESN will be to provide life sustaining medical transportation. During this time, customers who are not certified to use Access that need to connect to life sustaining medical services can call 206-205-5000 to request services between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Access will also be working closely with fixed route services to help support customers that are stranded due to breakdowns or weather conditions.
West Seattle Water Taxi
The West Seattle Water Taxi will temporarily operate a one-boat commute-only schedule Monday via the MV Doc Maynard, following its typical winter schedule rather than the expanded two-boat Viaduct closure schedule. Available crews will shift to ice clearing and dock maintenance to maintain safety for passengers. UPDATE as of 5pm Sunday: Water Taxi shuttle routes 773 and 775 are currently not scheduled to operate and Ride 2 West Seattle services are canceled.
West Seattle Water Taxi temporary sailing schedule Monday, Feb. 11, 2019 | |||||||||||
Departing
|
| Downtown Seattle
|
|
| Departing
|
|
| West Seattle
|
|
| |
5:55 AM | 6:15 AM | ||||||||||
6:30 AM | 6:50 AM | ||||||||||
7:05 AM | 7:25 AM | ||||||||||
7:40 AM | 8:00 AM | ||||||||||
8:50 AM | 9:10 AM | ||||||||||
Mid-day break | Mid-day break | ||||||||||
3:25 PM | 3:45 PM | ||||||||||
4:05 PM | 4:25 PM | ||||||||||
4:45 PM | 5:05 PM | ||||||||||
5:25 PM | 5:45 PM | ||||||||||
6:05 PM | 6:25 PM | ||||||||||
6:45 PM | 7:05 PM |
What Riders Should Know
Metro encourages people to avoid traveling if at all possible.
Riders who intend to use Metro’s services should visit the Emergency Snow Network webpage to view details about routes in operation and to identify their options. ESN routes will travel on posted snow routes unless otherwise communicated.
Metro’s Customer Information Office opens at 6 a.m. Monday to assist riders with trip planning, at 206-553-3000.
Posted timetables on Metro’s Schedules and Maps page are a good point of reference for the 60 ESN routes that are operating, but unforeseen roadway and weather conditions may result in delays or unplanned reroutes.
Customers should be aware that Puget Sound Trip Planner and third-party apps will not reflect ESN service and will not be accurate for planning itineraries on ESN days.
However, once intending riders know which ESN route they want to use, other Puget Sound Trip Planner features, such as maps, bus stop locations and timetables for ESN routes are valid. Puget Sound Trip Planner and other apps are still accurate for planning trips or getting schedules for regular service days. Next Departure features and Text for Departure tools are working for only bus routes that are in service.
I would like to know if 50 West Seattle bus running tonight. Thank you
@Larinda
The Route 50 will not be operating tonight (Tuesday), since it is not part of the Emergency Snow Network. The Route 50 is expected to operate tomorrow (Wednesday) via its snow route. Please check metrowinter.com for updates, and thank you for your patience.
Route 50 is not running tonight (Tuesday, 2/12) because the Emergency Snow Network is still in operation this evening. Route 50 Service will resume tomorrow morning (Wednesday, 2/13)
@Anonymous (6:39pm comment)
Routes 3/4 will be operating on Wednesday (2/13) on snow routing. Please expect reduced service frequency and potential delays. To find out if your particular trip is canceled on Wednesday, text your stop ID to 62550 or check Next Departures on the Puget Sound Trip Planner or its app.
Route 3/4 snow route information here: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/transportation/metro/schedules-maps/003-004.aspx#route-map
Thank you for your patience. We are working to bring service back to normal levels as soon as we can.
Hi! Please tell me When will the 3 or 4 be back in service? Can you make the 3/4 run because people need to get to their jobs. I lost 3 days😥
Seattle is NOT a major city if a bit of snow can bring this city to a stand still PLEASE step out of the top 10 list of the biggest cities in the Us, cause your NOT !!!! just awfu service and poor city management !
@AP
Thank you for your comment. We will continue to refine our future snow operations plans, and take lessons learned from this event.
@Richard Chang
The Route 41 is expected to operate on its snow route on Wednesday, 2/13. Please expect reduced service frequency and potential delays. Visit http://metrowinter.com/ on Wednesday morning for any updates, and sign up for alerts. Thank you for your patience.
Can you confirm that bus 41 will be operating as normal route tomorrow 2/13/2019
Hey, can you confirm that bus 41 will operate it’s normal route starting tomorrow 2/13/2018
I can’t imagine why the 14 wasn’t included in the ESN. It runs on some of the least steep routes E-W (Jackson) and the streets were in fine condition along the entire route even late Tuesday when the snow/slush was coming down. Please consider extending the ESN to include the 14.
Lesson to all always have a backup plan you can’t depend on the government (metro) for everything especially during storms. If you live in Seattle Car2Go is still working.
@johnb
The Route 67 is not operating today (Tuesday), while the ESN in effect. OneBusAway is likely picking up Route 65 buses, particularly Route 65 buses operating south of NE 45th St.
Please refer to Route 65 information here: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/transportation/metro/alerts-updates/winter/esn-alerts.aspx?route=065
Is route 67 running today? It’s not listed on the esn, but I thought I saw one running last night, and times are being updated on the OneBusAway app.
There’s no easy way to find out if my route is cancelled or not. As for the shuttle that is supposed to be running, I’m on the phone with Metro and he can’t find it. How am I supposed to get information in an emergency route situation when your employees can’t find it?
A full list of routes operating is on Metro’s website here: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/transportation/metro/alerts-updates/winter/esn.aspx
Which route are you trying to take?
@Margaret Undine
West Seattle water taxi shuttles 773 and 775 are operating today (Tuesday) on their normal route.
@mjk
Thank you for your patience as we work through changing road and weather conditions. Metro operators are working hard to provide safe trips for our customers, particularly as weather conditions evolve quickly in the field. We recognize can result in impacts to our customers, and we appreciate you bearing with us in this challenge.
Last week (pre-ESN), Metro’s snow route info page said that the #1 was running, save for the two northernmost stops. This was false, but the incorrect information remained on the website for days.
Anecdotes:
1. waited 30 mins on 10th W for a bus that Metro promised was coming, and wasn’t even attempting the hill. Did not go in to work as a result.
2. Got on a #1 in Uptown, that Metro’s site assured me was going up the hill. Driver drove three blocks and parked, saying she didn’t have chains.
3. Even on ESN, the snow route didn’t match the map, for route D. Driver dropped everyone off at the Marion stop S-bound…then N-bound I saw no Ds on Prefontaine. Had no idea where to pick up my only option to go home.
I want to thank all metro drivers who have been putting in the hard work and enduring the passengers who have not been so nice.
I think you all are doing a great job! Keep up the Awesome work.
I get that people are upset over cancelled buses but you have to realize that metro only does this to ensure the safety of its passengers and also the safety of the bus drivers. God forbid a bus flip over on an icy main road. Are you really going to complain about a bus being canceled then or over a broken limb? There are always taxis and Uber for the braver souls out there and if you have a job you can pay for those services. Or even carpool to work. I’m sure Metro has as much of a headache dealing with this as do the people who’s buses have been canceled. Its not going to last forever just be patient. I’ve had to cancel many appointments as well, including those for a job at the airport because I just cant get there, so I get the frustration. Trust me Metro loves making money so this whole conundrum didn’t come lightly. All will be well soon enough.
so what exactly are the snow routes for 773 and 775? I have yet to find that information.
Does the route 90 help those relying on the services to and from capital hill?
I was sure to call metro to plan my route before leaving my office. I actually called twice. The operator assured me the water taxi was up and running. She said the next boat came at 3:05 and of course it does not. The water taxi is running on the old winter s schedule and the boat is delayed. Thank you for sending people out into the wet snow and ice to stand in the cold because your operators cannot read your own information. I would have been better off not calling and checking with metro at all.
@Anonymous
We recognize this is a real impact for our customers and are working to ensure we are able to get back to full service as soon as weather and road conditions permit. Thank you for your patience.
Both water taxi shuttles, the West Seattle water taxi, and Route 124 are currently operating on the ESN. If you are able to reach downtown Seattle via the water taxi, you may transfer to the Route 124 at 3rd Ave & Main St (or 3rd Ave & Columbia) to reach Georgetown. Please be safe out there.
Snow switching to rain, why is the ESN continuing through Tuesday? People (incuding me) need to get to work!! Nothing out of Alki and if I can get to Seattle on the water taxi I still could not get to Georgetown because Routes 131 and 132 are also cancelled. Your poor planning is messing with people’s livelihood.
Anonymous:
Yes, that is correct. Only those routes listed on the ESN route list will be operating while the ESN is active. Thank you for your patience, and updates will be posted on MetroWinter.com.
Just to be clear – if your route isn’t listed on ESN list it will not run?
When will the 105 be back in service? Can you make the 105 run because people need to get to their jobs 🙂
The 105 is not included in the Emergency Snow Network and is not operating today Monday, 2/11 and is not planned to operate on Tuesday, 2/12. Please sign up for transit alerts and monitor MetroWinter.com for updates when it will be able to return to service.
How are we supposed to get out of the Renton highlands/Newcastle? Not one single bus up the Eastside? This is outrageous! I’m out of work for at least the next two days until you can figure out a bus for us.
The ESN includes only the routes that Metro believes it can operate with a reasonable degree of safety and reliability in severe conditions. This means that during ESN operation some King County neighborhoods and streets such as Newcastle and Renton Highlands have no bus service because of difficult travel conditions or geography. We know this is difficult for people who don’t have service and thank you for your patience.
@ Christina — from Puyallup to U District consider taking Sound Transit Route 578 to downtown Seattle and catching Link light rail from there. Check Sound Transit’s website to ensure the 578 is running.
I ride the water taxi and currently there is a note that the 775 and 773 shuttles are “currently not” (with slashes through those words) running. So are they running or not? It baffles me at the lack of clarity these warnings and notes contain on the website. Earlier in the week during the Monday storm, it said some of the morning operations were closed, but no mention that all were or which ones were running. So confusing and frustrating. Also no where to really call or go to for a clear answer.
The 773 and 775 shuttles are running today on snow routes. We expect service to be about every 30 minutes on these two routes today.
The #17 bus in Sunset Hill is cancelled. It’s too icy and too far to catch another bus out of here.
In a city thst’s getting rid of parking and wants you to rely on bus service, how do we get around?
The nearest options for Sunset Hill are Route 40 on 24th NW and Route 45 on NW 85th St.
Help! I need to get from Puyallup to the U-District in Seattle? My normal bus routes are cancelled.
You can take Sound Transit Express route 578 to downtown Seattle and then take Link light rail to the U District. Coming back depending on the time you can take Sounder Commuter Rail from downtown Seattle/King Street Station to Puyallup. Check the Sound Transit website for schedules and information about the snow routing: https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/know-before-you-go/riding-transit-winter
No bus service on Vashon. Then limited service on the fauntleroy side. The C line truncated snow route is a travesty_ the supposed shuttle wasnt available/ could not be found by 30% of my fellow Vashon commuters. Metro has effectively shut down / 100% isolated outlying communities. Most people I work with in seattle. live far outside the city_ no one can afford to live in seattle remember_. This is a nightmare.
Renton to Newcastle: take ST560
We need access from Renton to Newcastle please!!!
There is no service from Renton to Newcastle in Emergency Snow Network conditions. The nearest service is Sound Transit Route 560 which serves stops at the Landing on NE Park Dr, and the Newport Hills P&R at I-405 and Lake Washington Blvd.
Metro really needs to simplify their site in a snow emergency. I suggest next to the route #, check a box saying yes or no if the route is running. And if it is running
another pr. of yes or no boxes checked if it’s in snow emergency route. Then a map
showing the route. If a line is not running
why would you suggest I go on trip planner like you did this AM and I foolishly waited for the #11 which never came! C’mon you guys this is the 21st C. – you have to do better by your riders!
234? No way in or out of Kenmore:(
522 is in service. And 372. Hoping that you can access those routes. Check our other blog for options in the north end. https://kingcountymetro.blog/2019/02/10/north-king-county-what-does-the-emergency-snow-network-mean-for-you/
Riders can find links to route maps and snow reroute information for each route in the ESN on Metro’s Snow, Ice & Flood Alerts web page: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/transportation/metro/alerts-updates/winter/snow-ice-flood.aspx. The linked text provides information about the snow reroute in a particular area, including missed stops and alternate stops. ESN routes that do not have preplanned snow reroutes will link directly to their timetable schedules. ESN service along the designated routes operates about as frequently as normal service on those same routes. While there is no published schedule for ESN routes, the regular timetables can be used as guides. In poor weather conditions, however, delays may be expected.
Can we please have thw 224 or 232 running there is no way in or out of duvall
Can we please make the 232 or 224 run there is no way in or out of duvall
Is there a way Metro can put hyperlinks to the routes and the snow schedules they will be on when listing the routes? For being in a state of emergency- Metro sure does to seem to not care about communication with residents.
@Anonymous2 All of the hyperlinks to route maps are on the ESN page through MetroWinter.com, the best link is at the top of the blog.