Metro Flex and expanded bus service arriving in Delridge and South Park

King County Metro and the City of Seattle are partners in bringing Metro Flex, the on-demand transit service, to the Delridge and South Park communities beginning July 22.

Metro Flex is a neighborhood transit service that provides on-demand rides throughout the service area for the cost of a bus fare. It will operate seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The funding for the service is through the Seattle Transit Measure (STM). Approved by voters in 2020, the STM funds more bus service and expanded access to transit across the city through investments in transit service, capital improvements, and low-income transit access programming.

The Delridge and South Park neighborhoods were identified as priority areas for STM investments based on an equity analysis of where transit service is most needed and could provide the most benefit.

“We’re excited to announce that Metro Flex is expanding, providing on-demand transit service to thousands of riders in the Delridge and South Park neighborhoods,” said Executive Dow Constantine. “With Metro Flex, we’re fine-tuning our transportation network with more options for more communities across King County.”

“Seattle has an outstanding public transit system, and these targeted investments will ensure that all neighborhoods – including historically underserved ones like South Park and Delridge – have access to a safe and connected transit option,” said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. “Metro Flex means that more Seattle communities will have access to more options for how to travel in a way that is sustainable, reliable, and affordable thanks to the voter-approved Seattle Transit Measure.”

Major community locations in the Metro Flex service area include:

• Chief Sealth High School
• Delridge neighborhood
• Duwamish Longhouse and western Duwamish Valley
• Highland Park neighborhood
• South Park neighborhood
• South Seattle College
• Westwood Village

Metro Flex also opens the door to easier travel for these neighborhoods to access the region’s public transportation network, including the RapidRide H Line, frequent Route 60 service, and other local Metro bus routes.

Metro Flex’s first and last-mile solutions have proved very popular in the other areas across King County where it already operates, including Issaquah/Sammamish, Juanita, Kent, Othello, Rainier Beach/Skyway, the Renton Highlands and Tukwila.

Metro Flex delivers flexible, reliable transportation for $2.75 a trip – the same fare as a ride on a Metro bus. As with other Metro services, reduced fares are available for customers with disabilities, customers with lower incomes and seniors. Fares are free for all youth 18 and younger, and for adults on certain government programs.

All existing King County Metro fare options are accepted on Metro Flex service, including reduced fare programs such as ORCA LIFT, and youth 18 and under ride free. Using an ORCA card allows all passengers to transfer for free to bus and rail. Riders may also pay with credit or debit card, but not with cash.

Download the Metro Flex app and take a ride
After downloading the Metro Flex app from an app store on a smartphone, riders choose their desired destination. They’ll receive a nearby pick-up location to meet their driver and may share the ride with other passengers. Riders with mobility needs—such as using a wheelchair—can save this information within their Metro Flex profile.

Download Metro Flex in the app store or call 206-258-7739 for a ride.

More frequent bus service on Routes 60 and 125 this fall
Along with Metro Flex, the Seattle Transit Measure funded improvements to King County Metro Routes 60 and 125 that will begin with Metro’s fall service change September 14. Route 125 serves South Seattle College and Delridge and currently does not operate on Sundays. This route will begin operating 7 days a week, with 23 additional bus trips on weekdays and Saturdays and 26 bus trips on Sundays.

SDOT is also investing in better service on Route 60 which serves Westwood Village and South Park. Over 60 bus trips will be added across the entire week, making transit a more frequent and reliable option for these destinations.

QUOTES

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with the City of Seattle and the Delridge-South Park neighborhoods and introduce Metro Flex to these communities. This innovative, on-demand service offers convenient transportation choices, fostering stronger community connections and supporting sustainable lifestyles. We look forward to residents experiencing these new options firsthand.”
Metro General Manager Michelle Allison

“Metro Flex on-demand service will help people get where they need to go in Delridge and South Park by providing a ride to and from destinations throughout the community and to transit stops. I’m excited to see how riders utilize this service and am proud to be providing Seattle Transit Measure funding to help support this pilot.”
SDOT Director Greg Spotts

“Metro Flex will provide access to transit for some of our most vibrant communities in the South End. I am thrilled that we are able to partner with our friends at the City of Seattle to provide new ways for people to reach the library, college, the food bank, vital and unique cultural spaces, and more!”
King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, whose district includes South Park and Delridge neighborhoods.

“The Metro Flex service is more than just a new transit option. By broadening the public transit landscape, King County Metro is improving access to essential services and will make a very big difference to many who need the services of the Food Bank.”
Fran Yeatts, Executive Director of the West Seattle Food Bank