King County Metro is currently seeing an increased number of canceled trips. While we’re still operating more than 99% of trips even with cancellations, we apologize to riders who are inconvenienced. We are doing our best to improve your transit service and are committed to being your first choice for mobility. 

Here are tools to plan your trip and get updates, more details on Metro’s approach, and ways passengers can help. 

Planning ahead 

Whether you’re using transit for a regular commute or a one-off trek, you can find the best way to get there using our Puget Sound Trip Planner app or our TripPlanner.kingcounty.gov website. There are also third-party apps—like “One Bus Away” or Google Maps (using transit mode). 

Updated schedules 

On Oct. 2, we updated our service schedules. There are county-wide improvements and new connections to the just-opened Sound Transit Link light rail stations in the University District, Roosevelt, and Northgate. Learn more at kingcounty.gov/ServiceChange or by calling Metro customer service at 206-553-3000 on weekdays, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. (If you need an interpreter, press 1.) 

Service alerts 

Visit our Transit Alerts page to sign up for system-wide and route-specific messages via email or text. You can also follow @kcmetrobus on Twitter. It’s always helpful to be enrolled in alerts, but especially when there are cancellations, flooding, snow, or special events. 

Real-time tools 

Your cellphone is a powerful tool. Text your bus stop number to 62550 and we’ll immediately write you back with the next bus trips headed your way. Each trip will either say “s” for scheduled or “canceled.” Save 62550 in your phone in advance to help yourself remember. 

Why cancellations? 

There are many possible reasons for cancellations, such as a mechanical issue or an operator becoming ill or needing to care for a family member. There are also national workforce shortages—especially in fields related to transit. To ensure the safety of employees, customers, and community members, King County requires that all employees are vaccinated against the coronavirus. We’re glad to report more than 85% of Metro staff have already verified their vaccination status—and we expect that number to grow. We thank our colleagues for getting vaccinated and our internal staff for organizing numerous on-site vaccine clinics as part of their extensive outreach. 

Recruiting and training 

To better deliver service to our customers, we’re currently training up to 54 new bus operators. We invite you to view, share, and apply for careers across King County Metro now and during the months ahead. 

Please be kind 

We know some customers are frustrated with cancellations and are weary of the mandates and requirements that have been put in place. These measures are designed to continue to keep customers and employees safe. We ask that you please continue to wear a mask on transit and are respectful of the thousands of transit workers throughout our mobility network who are working hard during these challenging times to get you where you need to go. 

We’re tremendously proud to serve our community and thank you for your support of safe, equitable, and sustainable transit.