(UPDATE: For more recent information on suspended routes and alternatives, please visit our Dec. 18 blog post.)

Metro’s first priority is the safety of our community members, customers and employees. After two Metro operators identified a manufacturing issue in the steering system in some vehicles, Metro proactively removed 126 buses from service out of its 1,500-vehicle fleet. The identified problem did not lead to any accidents or injuries. Metro inspected all its buses to ensure all vehicles in service continue to perform safely and within specifications.

We apologize and ask for your patience as some bus trips are being canceled and we adjust plans to keep you moving. To check your trip and/or to discover other travel options, please use King County Metro’s planning tools:

  • Use “Text for Departure” by texting your bus stop number to 62550. You will receive a text with the next departure times and/or canceled trips at that stop.
  • Sign up for Transit Alerts via email or text.
  • On Twitter, follow @kcmetroalerts for route alerts, cancellations and delays. Follow @KingCountyMetro for general information.
  • Visit TripPlanner.kingcounty.gov and/or use other map apps (e.g., Bing Maps, Google Maps, One Bus Away, etc.)
  • Metro’s customer service office is open on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays at 206-553-3000.

The agency is coordinating with New Flyer, the manufacturer of the affected buses, who has already been on site to work toward resolution. There is not yet a timeline for when the work will be completed and supply chain challenges may introduce delays. The issue does not extend to all New Flyer buses and many remain in service.

As Metro and New Flyer work to safely return all buses to service, we regret any impacts to our customers. Thank you for using Metro’s customer resources and tools to support your travel during this time.

(Update, 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7): Metro is delivering about 90% of its typical 11,000 weekday trips and temporarily suspended 19 bus routes. We apologize for the inconvenience and encourage riders to review transit alerts and real-time tools below before traveling. Temporarily suspended for Dec. 7: routes 9, 15, 17, 18, 29, 55, 56, 57, 64, 111, 114, 121, 125, 162, 177, 214, 301, 304, 330. Due to the fluid nature of the situation, a small number of trips may run on routes that are fully suspended.