Executive Braddock’s budget adds 400,000 hours of bus service
On Sept. 23, King County Executive Shannon Braddock proposed a 2026-27 budget that adds more than 400,000 hours of Metro bus service and totals $4 billion across Metro’s operating and capital programs, including all of Metro’s modes of transit as well as safety, cleaning, and zero emissions, among other priorities.
“We continue to invest in and grow transit,” Executive Braddock said. “We’re increasing bus and water taxi service, expanding Metro Flex, and improving Access Paratransit.”
Adding bus service
Metro’s proposed increase of more than 400,000 service hours would connect riders to new Sound Transit Link light rail stations, provide more frequent service, and redesign service to meet current and future needs. Metro is also continuing to expand its RapidRide network with significant investments, including the construction and opening of the RapidRide I Line (between Auburn, Kent and Renton) and the RapidRide J Line (between the University District, Eastlake, South Lake Union and Belltown), and continuing to plan for the RapidRide R Line (serving the International District, Mount Baker, Columbia City, Hillman City, Brighton and Dunlap) and the RapidRide K Line (serving Bellevue and Kirkland). These investments are expected to increase ridership, as other recent mobility projects and RapidRide launches have led to more people taking Metro.
Improving transit across modes, and in rural areas and south King County
The budget invests in Access Paratransit, Dial-a-Ride Transit (DART), the King County Water Taxi, Metro Flex, and Sound Transit Link light rail (which Metro operates). The budget would initiate new Metro Flex pilot zones in Auburn and Federal Way. The expanded frequency of Snoqualmie Valley Transportation would be maintained in alignment with expanding service in unincorporated areas of King County.
Making transit safe and welcoming
To continue improving safety and security on and near Metro, Executive Braddock’s budget would extend the Safety, Security and Fare Enforcement (SaFE) Reform initiative, which includes the Behavioral Health Support and Metro Ambassador programs. The budget would also maintain expanded staffing levels for Metro Transit Police and Transit Security Officers, as approved by the King County Council in the recent 2025 supplemental budget.
Cleaning buses, bus stops and transit centers
Executive Braddock proposed funding to enhance the rider experience—by making permanent the frequent cleaning of bus interiors and continuing a pilot project delivering additional cleanings of high-priority bus stops.
Upgrading air quality and tackling climate change
Focusing on climate and the environment, the Executive’s budget would add staff and support services for the future Tukwila Bus base. Tukwila Base will be the agency’s first-ever bus base designed specifically to support zero-emissions buses. Tukwila Base will open next year, serving as home to up to 120 battery-electric buses. At Metro’s other bus bases, Executive Braddock proposed funding to transition existing diesel-hybrid buses to run on renewable diesel.
Hiring operators, supporting community members and looking ahead to the World Cup
Other notable investments include continuing the Service & Workforce initiative to hire and train the bus operators that provide transit service, providing transportation to residents of the Health Through Housing initiative within the Department of Community and Human Services, and delivering additional service during the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.
Next steps
The King County Council is scheduled to discuss and consider the proposed budget, with final adoption expected in November. To learn more or provide feedback on Metro’s budget, there will be “Transit, Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP), Local Services, and Roads” panel discussions. These meetings will be held on Tues., Oct. 7 and Tues., Oct. 14, and are open to in-person and online participation.
Relevant resources:
- King County Executive webpage: 2026-27 Proposed County Budget
- News: “Executive Braddock announces her 2026-2027 budget proposal, preventing devastating cuts while further investing in public safety, housing, homelessness response, and behavioral health,” Executive Office News, Sept. 23, 2025.
- Video: “King County Executive Shannon Braddock presents the 2025 budget address,” King County Television (KCTV), Sept. 23, 2025.
Photography credit for image of Executive Braddock presenting the budget: Brian Chu, King County Office of Equity and Racial and Social Justice
Where’s the funding to electrify the 48? And S Henderson St between MLK and Rainier?
Why don’t they better serve Admiral/Alki?!!! I’m really sick and tired of them improving other areas and not the area I live in. They’ve only been TAKING AWAY FROM IT!!! I want better bus service for Admiral/Alki now, not in 7 years when the light rail is in.
Metro is purposely taking away service from areas with white people and placing it in areas with non-white people. This is their DEI agenda. I see this as racist and clearly anti-white. It goes by the tag-line “equity”, but it is anything but equal treatment. I assert that all government services should be based on need, not race.
To base it solely off of demand and race is totally unacceptable to me. Next time they take away from the Admiral District I will be asking everyone in that area to protest and literally go on strike. Seriously.
Will Metro consider re-adding the recently deleted 257/311 routes, or fixing the 256? The 256 is not a suitable replacement. Long term riders who have relied on these routes in the Kingsgate area are still very frustrated with our commute times doubling. Some have opted to start driving instead – it’s that bad.
Riders were given no notice or opportunity to comment on this change.
Please review the overwhelming chorus of comments about this on the August 27th Metro blog post and consider listening to your riders.
The Link 2 will cause the 522 to change it’s terminal to 148th from Roosevelt.
Would the 256 work better for you if it went to Bellevue Transit Center, and extended to Duvall and Carnation?
What happened to the electric fleet? The 4700 and 4800 buses have been missing for a while now. Silently taken out of service?
Instead of wasting money on electric buses that constantly have issues, how about improve our service? The less people taking cars, you’ll help the climate far more than offering slow unbearable stuff on expensive, inoperable electric buses.