The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has recommended funds for two future King County Metro RapidRide lines, paving the way for the arrival of frequent and reliable bus service in two of the busiest travel corridors in King County.
The funding is for the RapidRide I line, which will travel between Renton, Kent, and Auburn and is one of the most heavily used routes in South King County, and the RapidRide J Line, which will go through several of Seattle’s fastest-growing neighborhoods, including South Lake Union, Eastlake, and the University District.
The FTA is recommending $60 million in funds for the RapidRide J line, which will upgrade and replace the current Metro route 70, which connects the University District to Downtown Seattle via Eastlake and South Lake Union. The funds for the J Line come from the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program and Expedited Project Delivery (EPD) Pilot Program.
RapidRide J Line is scheduled to begin service in 2026 and is a collaboration between Metro and the City of Seattle. The J Line is part of the City’s Transportation Master Plan, with funding provided by the voter-approved Move Seattle Levy as well as funds from the Federal Transit Administration. Seattle will lead the construction of the capital improvements for the J Line, while King County will own, operate, and maintain the J Line vehicles and service.
“The RapidRide J Line will replace Route 70, which has become a lifeline for students going to the University of Washington and a vital link connecting downtown to the growing neighborhoods of South Lake Union and Eastlake,” said Metro General Manager Terry White. “This recommended grant will expand access to education and jobs for communities across King County.”
The RapidRide I Line is being recommended for $66 million. In response to community input, the I line, scheduled to begin service in 2025, will upgrade Route 160. The I Line is part of the Renton, Kent, Auburn Area Mobility Project (RKAAMP), which first upgraded bus service in 2020 to provide greater access to employment centers for the growing communities in south King County.
RapidRide lines boast increased frequency and reliability, onboard Wi-Fi, larger and well-lit branded shelters, and real-time bus arrival information. Some RapidRide bus stations have ORCA readers so cardholders can pay before boarding and can then enter through any of the distinctive red buses’ three doors. Metro currently operates six RapidRide lines throughout King County.
The proposed grants are awaiting final action from Congress.
Relevant Links:
RapidRide I Line: Metro
RapidRide J Line: Seattle DOT
The J Line is a gratuitous waste of money compared to the R Line, which is busier and serves a poorer, less white community on the most dangerous street in Seattle. Southeast Seattle has been waiting since 2009 for a Rapid Ride connection to Rainier Beach station, while the stations serving Route 70 just opened in 2021. What the J Line has is a lot more wealth (and car ownership) and white people with connections.
Will the J Line even remain an electric trolley line? We’re already losing electric service on Madison Street as SDOT converts from electric to diesel buses for the very belated G Line.
None of this is progressive, equitable, inclusive, efficient, fair, or rational at all. You’re not putting your money where your mouth is.
Trolleys are better,I was here when Seattle transit had 300 trolleys