Update (5 p.m.): Metro’s Customer Information Office will be providing extended assistance with trip planning inquiries until 8 p.m. Wednesday at 206-553-3000; reopen at 5 a.m. Thursday.

Winter weather continues across the region and buses operating in East King County have shifted to their snow routes until road conditions improve.  King County Metro will additionally adjust service and routing this afternoon and evening if roadway conditions worsen.

Screenshot from Metro service advisories map showing the current red status of bus snow routes in East King County Snow route information now is posted on our Service Advisories page for affected routes.

As a precaution based on current forecasts and roadway conditions, Metro plans to:

  • Temporarily switch its 60-foot-long trolley buses for 40-foot-long buses that perform better on snow and ice.
  • Temporarily suspend trips on routes 301 (five trips) and 304 (five trips).
  • Chain buses expected to be in service after 8 p.m. this evening.

Most buses currently are operating without chains on bare and wet pavement.

Metro staff are monitoring weather forecasts and roadway conditions and will share updates with riders if further snow routes are activated in all or part of our King County service area.

Riders are encouraged to visit MetroWinter.com for tips and to review the snow route for their route. If Metro switches buses to their snow route due to roadway conditions, those routes will be listed on Metro’s service advisories page. Updates also will be sent via email and text to Transit Alert subscribers, and riders are encouraged to monitor Metro messages and webpages before traveling.

Real-time information

  • Text your bus stop number to 62550 for an automated list of the next bus trips headed your way. Each trip will either show an estimated arrival time, “s” for scheduled, or “canceled.” Save 62550 in your phone in advance to help yourself remember.
  • Next departures information also is available on Metro’s Trip Planner.
  • Real-time next departure information can become less reliable if road conditions and travel delays worsen.
  • Metro’s online Trip Planner and third-party apps, such as One Bus Away or Google Maps, provide results that are based on scheduled data for regular service. They do not reflect planned or unplanned snow reroutes or the Emergency Snow Network.

Planning to travel?

  • Sign up or update your subscriptions to receive Transit Alerts and snow route updates via text and email for the bus routes you rely on.
  • Visit MetroWinter.com for tips on traveling during winter weather. If snow routes are activated, updates will be posted for affected routes. Whether you’re taking bus, Access paratransit or on-demand services, we’ve got you covered. Be sure to look for our updated snow brochures.
  • On Twitter, be sure to add @kcmetroalerts for route alerts, delays and cancellations and @KingCountyMetro for general information.
  • If you need help trip planning, our customer service office is available 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays at 206-553-3000.
  • Online information is available in nine languages including English, and real-time information (alerts, text for departure, water taxi, etc.) is available in English.

Other Metro services

  • Don’t be caught in the cold. Winter weather also could delay or cancel service if you ride the Water Taxi, use services such as Via to Transit, Community Ride and Ride Pingo, or you use Access. Check their webpages for updates and if there are travel options available before you go.

Ride safely and comfortably

  • Remember, the sun is going down earlier, making visibility a challenge. Use a flashlight or a phone to show the driver you’re there.
  • Conditions could delay service, so be prepared! Bundle up with weather-appropriate clothing and footwear as you wait.

MetroWinter.com translated links