We heard you: First Avenue just isn’t working consistently, and riders are feeling the very real effects of the Seattle Squeeze. Unfortunately, the squeeze is going to be with us for the next few years. Giving you a consistent bus experience is our goal and that’s what we’re striving to do. Which is why, starting Monday, September 9, Metro is shifting former southbound Alaskan Way Viaduct routes from First Avenue to Fourth Avenue South.
In the best conditions, First Avenue is the fastest pathway to get buses from downtown to West Seattle and Burien. But when the transportation grid is strained due to construction, an increase in cars around the stadiums, Friday afternoon ferry traffic, or a traffic incident, First Avenue crawls to a near stop. That takes time out of your day and keeps our buses from getting out of downtown.

There are few alternatives, but the best option is a shift to Fourth Avenue South. Making the alternative pathway work meant analyzing travel times and consistency, weighing the impact to other routes that travel through the central business district, and determining where buses slowed down and required attention. That took time but was necessary to ensure the revision would work.
Our evaluations determined that a pathway that took Second Avenue (via Columbia Street) to Second Avenue Extension South to Fourth Avenue South was viable. Speed times were slightly slower under normal conditions, but the consistency improved dramatically. This new pathway appeared to have little effect on the travel time of other nearby routes, and we were able to identify areas that could be addressed directly by our partners at SDOT.
Below is a map showing the long-term service revision. Note that this is not permanent: when Alaskan Way is open to buses, we’ll be making a permanent shift to that route. Also note that the northbound routes are only temporarily rerouted. While northbound routes have been slower post-viaduct, they are much more consistent.
Between September 12-21*, northbound routes are temporarily rerouted to take Fourth Avenue South while Dearborn Street is closed for viaduct demolition. That means you may be exiting the bus at stops at Prefontaine Place South or James Street during that ten-day period.
We appreciate your patience and feedback while we worked to find a solution that worked for all our riders. We look forward to buses moving more consistently on this new pathway.
*Pending viaduct demolition project conclusion
Last Friday 09-20- 2019, our bus driver informed us the southbound route of 121 will be back on the old stop (1st and King). Please advise.
Good morning,
The southbound route for 121 (and all other West Seattle/Burien/neighboring areas) will remain on the new pathway using the Second Avenue Extension South & Main Street bus stop before connecting to Fourth Avenue South. That is not scheduled to change until early 2020 when Alaskan Way opens for buses. The northbound pathway is back on First Avenue now that Dearborn Avenue has reopened after viaduct demolition in that area. Sorry for the confusion and thanks for letting us know!