RapidRide I Line newsletter (September 2025)

RapidRide I Line is coming to Renton, Kent and Auburn

King County Metro is preparing to build 17 miles of new RapidRide service in Renton, Kent, and Auburn. Construction will begin this fall. Once I Line is in service in 2027 it will provide connections to the Renton Transit Center, Kent Transit Center and Auburn Station. The I Line will also connect riders to the RapidRide F Line, Sound Transit buses; Sounder Train; and local bus service, making it easier for people to travel to and from regional destinations and access a network of local bus routes. Metro is building RapidRide I Line to meet a critical need for improved north-south transportation options in south King County. Visit our new website to check out our interactive map and learn about the passenger stations, and other improvements this project will bring!

What to expect during construction

Metro plans to begin construction in fall 2025. Typical work hours will be Monday through Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm, with some nighttime and weekend work. Construction may cause temporary changes or disruptions to your usual access or travel patterns along the RapidRide I Line route. The contractor will work in designated construction zones with potential temporary local impacts over the course of the project.

During construction, you can expect:

Temporary parking restrictions
Periodic lane and driveway closures
Large machinery and truck activity
Construction staging and parking impacts near some construction sites
Some sidewalk, intersection, and lane closures
Detours for people walking, biking, and rolling
Temporary bus detours and bus stop relocations for Route 160 and other area transit and bus routes.
Flaggers to direct traffic around work areas

The newest back-to-school must-have: Free Youth Transit Pass!

Binder, paper, pens and pencils, calculator, backpack, ORCA Card!

With school just around the corner, a useful item that also makes a great fashion statement is a Free Youth Transit Pass (FYTP)—also known as a Youth ORCA card!

The pass is good 24/7/365. This will be the fourth school year that youth 18 years of age and younger will be able to use it to board transit for free. The card is the stress-free way for getting to after school activities, picking up siblings, getting to work, or heading to a movie or concert on Metro and other transit agencies throughout the region. +

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Community Highlights

Renton

Oktober Fest with Four Generals Brewing

September 20 | 12PM-8PM | Four Generals Brewing (229 Wells Ave S)

Enjoy the fall with Four Generals Brewing at their Oktoberfest event. You’ll find Festbier, live music, German flare food, and an all ages extended patio! Learn more.

Hispanic Heritage Month Festival

September 20 | 1PM-9PM | Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (1053 Lake Washington Blvd N)

Presented by Latinos Unidos, come celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with music, delicious food, family activities and more! Learn more.

Family Field Day

September 27 | 1PM-3PM | Liberty Park (1101 Bronson Way N)

Celebrate the beginning of fall with a day of free family fun at Liberty Park! This Free Family Field Day is perfect for all ages and completely free to attend. Pack a picnic, bring your game face, and join us for an unforgettable afternoon of laughter, movement, and community connection. Learn more.

Kent

Team Up 2 Clean Up

September 27 | 9AM-12PM | Kherson Park (307 W. Gowe St)

A clean downtown is a healthy downtown! Join Kent to focus clean-up efforts along Meeker Street and the surrounding downtown area. Kent is looking for individuals, families, and groups to help with trash/recycle pickup, vegetation control/trimming, sweeping, etc. Meet up with old friends and make new ones! Sign up here!

Volunteer Mixer – October 2025

October 2 | 5PM-6:30PM| Location TBD

The KDP is a volunteer-driven organization that counts on a core group of folks who have a passion for doing good, love historic downtown, help with events, and connect with others. Most of all, making a difference in what happens in your community! Bevys and light snacks will be served. Please feel free to bring friend(s) and students. Learn more and sign up here.

Auburn

Senior Wellness Fair

September 25 | 9:30AM-1PM | Auburn Senior Activity Center ( 808 9th St SE)

The Senior Wellness Team has planned an incredible vendor fair and delicious lunch with wonderful entertainment from Jazz Guitarist Michael Powers. Lunch is free for those that pre-register and attend the vendor fair in the gymnasium. Learn more.

Auburn’s Multicultural Holiday Festival

September 27 | 3PM-6PM | The Commons at Auburn High School (711 E Main ST)

You are invited to Auburn’s 3rd Annual Multicultural Holiday Festival! Come join us for programming, food trucks and music including: Decorative displays in the traditions of each culture with gifts and treats A red carpet runway cultural dress fashion show Entertainment by cultural groups. Learn more.